Public transit pioneers experiment with autonomous vehicle operation in real-world setting - Testing autonomous vehicles in real-life city traffic conditions
Autonomous vehicles are poised to transport passengers in southern Hesse for the first time in a nationwide public transport pilot project. Known as "Kira", the initiative will be unveiled this Monday at 10 am in Langen, Offenbach district. Deutsche Bahn and the Rhine-Main Transport Association (RMV) are partnering on this endeavor.
In this trial, passengers will ride in self-driving vehicles, with a safety driver on board to intervene in emergencies. The autonomous cars can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour in the city, and 100 kilometers per hour on highways. A select group of test persons will participate in the project, and an on-demand offer will be provided within the public transport system, similar to Uber.
The vehicles will operate in a defined area, initially in Langen and Egelsbach, later expanding to include Darmstadt. The program is expected to run through the end of 2025, with potential extension under consideration.
The collaboration aims to make public transport more attractive and flexible. Kira means AI-based regular operation of autonomous on-demand traffic. The initiative is funded by approximately 2.2 million euros from the Federal Ministry of Transport, with additional funding from RMV.
The six modified Nio ES8 electric SUVs, equipped with autonomous driving technology developed by Intel-owned Mobileye, will be used in the pilot. The system includes HD maps and advanced sensors, allowing the vehicles to operate at speeds up to 130 km/h in regular traffic conditions. Users can book rides through the Kira app within the defined operational area.
This pilot project represents a significant step towards integrating AI-driven autonomous vehicles into public transport in Germany. It could revolutionize rural and suburban mobility, increase public transport appeal, and contribute to technological progress in AI-enabled Level 4 autonomous driving systems. Similar projects are underway in other German regions like Hamburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
- The autonomous vehicles used in the Kira project will undergo vocational training, as they are equipped with Intel-owned Mobileye's autonomous driving technology.
- In order to make public transport more attractive and flexible, the finance provided by the Federal Ministry of Transport and RMV for the Kira project will also go towards vocational training programs for personnel who will manage and maintain the self-driving vehicles in this industry.
