📋 Tender Overview
Baden-Wurttemberg is using the findings from the real-world laboratory for automated bus operation project to advance autonomous bus operations. Results from the Baden-Wurttemberg lighthouse project External: RABus (real-world laboratory for automated bus operation) (Opens in new window) prove: Autonomous driving is becoming a real possibility in public transport. The state is using the findings and starting a participation process with the industry. Goal: an External: autonomously driving regular operation in local public transport (Opens in new window). Taking new insights to the next level Over the past four and a half years, the RABus project has dedicated itself with great commitment to the task of further developing the future technology of autonomous driving in order to make the mobility of tomorrow more future-proof and sustainable. With the successful completion of RABus, the insights gained (PDF, barrier-free) (Opens in new window) will now be used as a basis for taking autonomous driving to the next level. Autonomous driving has a future In the real-world laboratories in Friedrichshafen and Mannheim, more than 1,600 citizens tested self-driving shuttles on public roads. The positive feedback and the high technical reliability of the vehicles show that autonomous driving is no longer a vision of the future, but is already a reality today - tangible, reliable and safe. Transport Minister Winfried Hermann said: The state of Baden-Wurttemberg is pursuing the goal of consistently promoting the use of autonomous vehicles in public transport, especially in on-demand transport. Projects like RABus are valuable pioneers here, because they show what we specifically need to work on so that autonomous driving in public transport increasingly becomes a reality. RABus is a resilient basis that is now being used for the further market ramp-up of autonomous shuttles in public transport. With the completion of the research project, it becomes clear that clear political, regulatory and technical framework conditions are crucial for the successful and scalable use of autonomous shuttles in public transport. This requires: Clear legal bases and standardized approval processes Uniform technical standards for integration into public transport Identification of the new requirements for the transport companies Integration of the new operating models into a reliable, well-connected overall public transport system with functioning conversions to rail-based offers A target group-specific approach and communication as a success factor for the acceptance of autonomous driving The state is expanding cooperation with the public transport industry For the scaling and market ramp-up of autonomous driving It is important for shuttles to develop implementable concepts together with local public transport players and to create demand for larger quantities in the economy. To this end, the state has started a broad-based participation process together with committed transport companies, authorities, transport associations and science. The participants are currently working together on options for structured and coordinated procurement of autonomous vehicles as well as on standards for integrating these vehicles into public transport in Baden-Wurttemberg. Transport Minister Hermann emphasized: We now know that autonomous buses and shuttles offer a great opportunity for public transport in the country. Because they allow us to counteract the growing shortage of staff and create more and more flexible offers - especially during off-peak times and in more rural areas. The state has recorded this common understanding in a letter of intent (LOI) with associations in the public transport industry. With the LOI, the partners agree that they want to work actively on the transition of autonomous driving from a project to nationwide regular operation. Autonomous vehicles are intended to complement classic public transport - especially in rural areas, off-peak times and peripheral areas - and to contribute to modernization and relief in the long term in view of the shortage of skilled workers.
