From this Wednesday, Germany will begin to test self-driving vehicles as part of its public transport system for the first time.
The test project was announced by national rail operator Deutsche Bahn and regional mobility company in the Rhine-Main region in western Germany.
The self-driving cars can be reserved by the passengers through a mobile app and drive around a designated area. During the test period, there will be a safety driver behind the wheel to intervene when necessary. The German Ministry of Transport has sponsored the project—Project Kira—with €2.2 million.
The service will operate similarly to ride-hailing options like Uber but will be an integral part of the local public transport system. Its purpose is to enable people to travel more conveniently and flexibly, especially for destinations outside of major city centers. Initial tests will be carried out in the towns of Langen and Egelsbach southwest of Frankfurt.
This is a large step towards putting autonomous technology into everyday mobility.
