Project description

As part of the "Real-world laboratory for automated bus operation in public transport in urban and rural areas" project, the use of large, fully automated buses is being scientifically researched and tested in real-life conditions. In order to achieve this, the vehicles should be able to "swim along" in regular traffic - at a speed of at least 40 km/h in urban areas and at least 60 km/h in rural areas.

The development, implementation and testing of economical and reliable operation with fully automated vehicles is of great relevance for the future of public transport. With this technology, the introduction of an attractive, affordable and environmentally friendly 24-hour, door-to-door bus shuttle service can be offered in the country.

As a result, the project will include an assessment of nationwide transferability and the development of recommendations for technical implementation and operational reliability and cost-effectiveness. In addition, legal issues and traffic effects of the state-wide use of a largely driverless bus shuttle service at "normal" speeds will be taken into account.

The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport is funding the project with 14 million euros.

The project goals

• Testing of highly and fully automated vehicles in different types of areas and at acceptable speeds in real public transport operations, including public relations work
• Presentation of automated and flexible mobility services
• Evaluation of technical implementation, operational reliability and cost-effectiveness, user acceptance, legal issues and traffic effects
• Assessment of state-wide transferability and development of recommendations for action for sustainable public transport in Baden-Württemberg