Via and EasyMile test driverless on-demand system in Kehlheim

By the end of 2023, the KelhRide research project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure with around 10.9 million euros, will be running in the Kelheim district. Its aim is to further develop autonomous driving into a weatherproof system and, in contrast to already ongoing projects, to manage it on-demand rather than following a fixed route schedule. The autonomous on-demand service is to be integrated into the existing public transport network (ÖPNV).

EZ10 shuttles from EasyMile, which have been partly in operation on public roads in Bad Birnbach for several years, will be used. The sensors and software will be further developed to ensure disruption-free operation even in heavy snowfall, rain, or fog.

Control provided by Via

The control of the on-demand traffic during the project will be overseen by the US corporation Via. It is responsible for booking and route management, fleet management, and the "customer experience". Its managing director for Germany, Valerie von der Tann, sees demand-driven autonomous on-demand traffic as a significant opportunity, especially for municipalities in rural areas, to "radically improve access to mobility" and "literally ensure connectivity". The research project involves a total of six partners, including the Kelheim district, TÜV Rheinland, and the Technical University of Berlin.