Testing Public Transit with Autonomous Vehicles: Initial Trial Underway - Local trial of autonomous vehicles navigating city traffic
Autonomous vehicles poised to transport passengers in public transport pilot project launched in Hesse
Autonomous cars, armed with artificial intelligence, are set to transport the first passengers in the southern Hesse region from mid-2024. This was announced by the Deutsche Bahn and the Rhein-Main transport association (RMV) as a part of the "Kira" pilot project, situated in Langen, Offenbach district.
Named after the AI-based regular operation of autonomous on-demand traffic, the Kira project will make its debut this coming Monday, 10 AM, in Langen. It marks the first time passengers of public transport will ride in autonomous vehicles nationwide.
The pilot project anticipates the use of Level 4 autonomous robotaxi vehicles. While a safety driver will be on board to intervene in emergencies, the vehicles will make all driving decisions independently and can accelerate to prescribed speeds: 50 kilometers per hour in the city and up to 100 kilometers per hour on highways.
Initially, a select group of test persons will be aboard these vehicles, providing an on-demand service within the public transport network similar to ride-hailing platforms such as Uber. The service area will initially cover Langen and Egelsbach in the Offenbach district, with Darmstadt expected to be added subsequently.
Organizations involved in this project include Deutsche Bahn, RMV, DB Regio Bus Mitte, Nio, and Mobileye. DB Regio Bus Mitte operates six Nio ES8 electric SUVs equipped with specialized sensors, cameras, and Mobileye software for autonomous navigation.
The project aims to modernize and enhance the attractiveness and adaptability of public transportation in the region. This pilot represents the first use of Level 4 autonomous vehicles for public transport in Germany.
- The community policy in Hesse aims to incorporate the use of vocational training programs for the maintenance and operation of autonomous vehicles in the public-transit sector.
- The finance division of Deutsche Bahn has invested in technology to develop a sophisticated yet cost-effective vocational training program, enabling staff to handle the complex operations of Level 4 autonomous robotaxi vehicles in the Kira pilot project.
- The transportation industry has partnered with academic institutions to provide vocational training in artificial intelligence and robotics, preparing students to fill positions in companies like DB Regio Bus Mitte, Nio, and Mobileye for the growing demand in the autonomous vehicle field.
