In road traffic in a shuttle from A to B – without a driver. A test for an autonomous transport service on demand is now underway in Hesse.
Deutsche Bahn and the Rhein-Main Transport Association are launching what they say is the first pilot project in Germany for an autonomous shuttle service on demand in local public transport. With these demand-oriented transport services, the car will effectively be driverless in a clearly defined area, but initially a safety driver will be on board, the railway announced on Tuesday. In the test operation, six vehicles will gradually go into operation in Darmstadt and the Offenbach district. Passengers will not be allowed to ride on them at first.
The technology from the “Kira” project is intended to make it possible to take part in road traffic at normal speed. According to the railway, the decisions regarding all driving maneuvers are made by the vehicle. They are monitored by technical supervisory staff. “Kira” stands for AI-based regular operation of autonomous on-demand transport.
According to Deutsche Bahn, these offers are intended to make local public transport more attractive and flexible. The shuttles, which can be ordered, should ensure comprehensive mobility, especially in rural areas, and link different means of transport. The operator of the autonomous vehicles is DB Regio Bus Mitte. The project is supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport with around 2.2 million euros and by the state of Hesse. The test has been approved by the Federal Motor Transport Authority.
Source: Stern
