Autonomous traffic can secure individual transportation in rural areas. This was recently announced by Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, on the occasion of the issuance of a funding notice. His Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) will fund a joint research project in the districts of Potsdam-Mittelmark and Vorpommern-Rügen with approximately 2.3 million euros over the next three years.
The project is called "Rural Development with Autonomous Vehicles," or LEAF for short. The two districts are collaborating with regiobus Potsdam Mittelmark GmbH and Verkehrsgesellschaft Vorpommern-Rügen mbH. The goal is to establish an on-demand traffic service with three autonomous vehicles that will serve as feeders to the regional public transportation system and the railway.
The project runs until July 2026. The BMDV has not disclosed whether the vehicles have already been chosen, and if so, what types will be used and whether there will initially be an attendant who can intervene if necessary. It is also unclear who will provide the software for the operation and whether the shuttles can only be ordered digitally via an app or a website.
Federal Minister of Transport Wissing stated the following: “I want people throughout Germany to be able to move around independently and affordably. Especially in rural areas, autonomous on-demand transport can be a key to more individual mobility – for older people and those who cannot or do not want to drive themselves. Autonomous shuttles that come exactly when needed can complement public transport in rural areas cost-efficiently. I expect important insights from the project for the expansion of autonomous mobility throughout Germany.”
Regarding the already existing individual mobility offerings, such as taxis and rental cars, the minister did not say a word. It is not surprising that the model project is again being carried out with two transportation companies, even though three autonomous vehicles could certainly be managed by a taxi or rental car company.
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