For the first time, passengers in the Kelheim district, north of Munich, are now able to hail an on-demand autonomous vehicle (AV) and book rides in a mixed fleet as part of the public transport system.
Rides in the AVs will be free.
It is reportedly one of the largest public transport projects in Germany to pair autonomous and conventional vehicles. One of the key aims of the project is to establish AVs that can operate in all weather conditions.
Following the launch of the KEXI public on-demand service last summer with conventional vehicles, this second autonomous phase allows customers to book a ride in one of two EZ10 electric AVs as part of the fleet in the KEXI mobile app. These vehicles are part of an AV hub with space for five shuttles, with the fleet set to expand in 2023.
The autonomous service will be offered Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm between Donaupark, Old Town and the Pflegerspitz parking lot.
The KelRide project is one of several similar initiatives in collaboration with various partners, including AV technology firm EasyMile, the district of Kelheim, TransitTech software provider Via, consultancy P3 Group, TÜV Rheinland and the Technical University of Berlin.
To support the KelRide project, Via and EasyMile have collaborated on the technical integration of all interfaces to let passengers book rides through Via’s mobile app.
“We are pleased to work with our partners to implement this unique and innovative project in Germany on Via’s technology platform,” said Jan Luedtke, managing director of Via in Germany.
“It is a beacon for other municipalities and introduces flexible and efficient autonomous solutions as the new generation of public transport services.
“It is especially beneficial for municipalities in rural areas.
“Autonomous on-demand solutions in the context of public transport represent a great opportunity to radically improve access to mobility and ensure connectivity.”
The vehicles will travel at a maximum speed of 20 km/h (12.4mph).
