Public transport trial features self-driving vehicles operating on city streets - Testing autonomous vehicles in everyday city traffic
In southern Hesse, a pioneering pilot project named "Kira" set to debut this Monday will introduce autonomous vehicles to the realm of public transportation for the first time in Germany. Located in Langen, Offenbach district, the project is a collaborative effort between Deutsche Bahn and the Rhein-Main Transport Association.
These autonomous cars, capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour in urban areas and 100 kilometers per hour on highways, will transport passengers in a fixed, selected group. The vehicles are equipped with an on-board safety driver capable of intervening in emergencies, while the vehicle itself makes all driving decisions.
Passengers can book rides through an app, similar to Uber's ride-hailing platform, opening a flexible, on-demand service for public transportation. Initially, the vehicles will operate in a defined area in Langen and Egelsbach, with plans to expand to Darmstadt later in the year.
Funded by the Federal Ministry for Transport and the State of Hesse, the project supports research partners including the German Aerospace Center, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and the Association of German Transport Companies.
The project, which will run through the end of 2025 with potential extension, aims to gather data and user feedback to further the integration of autonomous mobility into public transit. By providing a more accessible and flexible transportation system, especially for rural and less densely populated areas, "Kira" seeks to transform public transport via autonomous, on-demand shuttles.
Environmental benefits and increased efficiency are also key objectives of the project, positioning autonomous driving as a key technology for sustainable, environmentally friendly mobility. The long-term goal is to make autonomous driving a standard part of mobility in Germany by the 2030s. Similar projects are underway in other German states, signaling a national trend toward autonomous transit innovation.
The Community policy in Hesse, supported by the Federal Ministry for Transport and the State of Hesse, includes the integration of autonomous vehicles into public transportation as a part of the "Kira" project, specifically vocational training for these vehicles' operation, maintenance, and safety. This collaboration with transportation industry partners like Deutsche Bahn and the Rhein-Main Transport Association also involves technology companies such as the German Aerospace Center and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology to ensure financial efficiency and environmental benefits in the implementation of autonomous vehicles in public transportation.
