Welcome to our draft Automated Public Transport Services (APTS) specification
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and Solihull Council (SMBC) have collaborated on the development of a draft specification for the commissioning of future Automated Public Transport Services (APTS).
Across 53 pages, this new specification has the aim of both unifying and simplifying the buying and commissioning of future APTS in the UK by providing industry with a clear guide on what will be expected from future buyers of services.
By aiming to create a common specification for the commissioning future services at this early stage in public transport Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) evolution we aim to help individual authorities and organisations avoid having to develop separate, fragmented specifications, saving significant cost to buyers. Providing a single, high-quality resource that any future buyer can adapt should support a "commission once, adapt for many" approach, accelerating the safe deployment of automated passenger services.
The ambition is however greater than just benefiting future buyers. The final specification will aim to accelerate commercialisation for suppliers by creating a set of common requirements and expectations amongst service commissioners ensuring suppliers can develop solutions that meet the needs of multiple future customers, rather than responding to huge numbers of varying, under-defined requirements.
This version (7) has been created through regular engagement with core stakeholders and project partners. It incorporates insights gathered through wide consultation and now serves as the near‑final version for the specification.
As we approach adoption in Spring 2026, we invite continued feedback to ensure the final version reflects the needs and expectations of industry, academia, and future buyers across both the public and private sectors.
Please submit feedback to innovation@tfwm.org.uk.