Project “Albus”
Minister of Transport: First autonomous regular bus “groundbreaking”
The “Albus” is a special feature: as the first large regular bus in Germany, it rolls fully automated through the city. Federal Transport Minister Schnieder sees the future.
For the first time, a large autonomously driving regular bus in Germany is on the test operation in road traffic. Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder described the “Albus” project as groundbreaking before a test drive in Burgdorf near Hanover. “Autonomous driving, I am deeply convinced of that, is the future,” said the CDU politician.
According to the ministry, there are similar approaches with autonomous minibuses. What is new in Burgdorf, however, that autonomous driving should be integrated into local transport with a large regular bus.
This is how the minister experienced the journey
His test drive then described Schnieder as impressive: “Impressive by the fact that it was quite normal.” After a few meters, you no longer notice that you are sitting in an autonomously driving vehicle. “To the recognition of people who want to get on the way, he automatically does everything.”
To test this technique in everyday life is important, said Schnieder. Germany is at the top of the movement worldwide. “Our automotive industry, the suppliers, start-ups, they can.”
The goal: driverless at 40 km / h.
The eight meter long “Albus” offers 22 seats and drives up to 40 kilometers per hour in the test phase, which lasts until the end of the year, on an approximately seven -kilometer route through Burgdorf – accompanied by a driver who can intervene if necessary.
A bus from the Turkish manufacturer Karsan is used, which was equipped by the project partner Adastec for fully automated operation with sensors, hardware and software. If the test is successful, three of the buses are to be integrated into the local transport of the Hanover region.
dpa
Source: Stern
