Autonomously driving minibuses that reliably and efficiently transport passengers in Friedrichshafen and Mannheim – this was the objective of the RABus joint project (Reality Lab for Automated Bus Operation). Researchers supported the project and analyzed the operation of autonomous minibuses under real-world conditions. This way, the transport experts of KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) could demonstrate that on-demand offers have an enormous potential – if they are well implemented and communicated. At the end of the first funding phase, Winfried Herrmann, Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Transport, announced an extension of the project: The autonomous shuttle buses will remain available to the citizens of Friedrichshafen until mid-2025. Accompanying research will continue during this period.
“RABus and similar research projects are pioneering the future of climate-neutral traffic. Rural areas in particular will benefit from autonomous shuttles, as these allow better integration of such regions into the local public transport system. The great interest of the people in the region to take a test ride on RABus is a very positive signal,” said minister Herrmann in his opening speech.
Better Mobility Offers for Rural Areas
The motivation for the introduction of RABus was to make local public transport more cost-effective and environmentally friendly in order to ensure better mobility for the population in the long run. Rural areas in particular will benefit from the fully automated on-demand operation of smaller vehicles, complementing the classic local public transport services. Test operation of the autonomous shuttle buses in Friedrichshafen and Mannheim started in fall 2024. The project shuttles, equipped for autonomous driving by the ZF Friedrichshafen AG technology group, accommodate up to ten passengers, including one seat for a person with impaired mobility. With a single battery charge, the shuttle buses can cover a distance of about 100 kilometers – at a speed of 40 km/h in urban areas and up to 60 km/h over land.
KIT Researchers Investigate Effects and Acceptance
“Flexible, autonomous on-demand services open up enormous potential to make public transport more attractive. This requires, however, that these services are well implemented and communicated,” says Dr. Martin Kagerbauer from KIT’s Institute for Transport Studies (IFV). Together with his team, he analyzed how far the new mobility service was accepted by the citizens. “Our analysis has shown that a clear majority of the people are favorable towards and interested in the new technology, while sporadic concern, for example with respect to safety aspects, can often be overcome by explaining and discussing the matter,” explains Kagerbauer. The researchers also consider the potential effects on traffic. “Especially in rural or suburban areas, autonomous buses are primarily used to avoid rides in private cars. The first major application of shuttles, however, should take place in regions where the citizens already use public transport at least sporadically, because they will be more inclined to accept the new service,” says Kagerbauer.
Popular Short-Range Traffic Model
1,450 persons altogether have registered for a test ride with the autonomous shuttle so far. “We also found that shuttle use is also very promising on the so-called first and last miles. This means that people want the service primarily to bridge gaps in their classic local transport service and to cover short distances,” states the mobility researcher. The fact that people experience and actually use autonomous vehicles and the new technology is important for the integration of this transport service into their notion of mobility. “The project is a milestone for mobility transition and a strong signal for sustainably linking urban and rural regions. Therefore, we are all the more pleased that the project was extended,” says Kagerbauer.
Besides KIT, the RABus consortium includes the Research Institute for Automotive Engineering and Powertrain Systems Stuttgart and the public transport companies Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH, Stadtverkehr Friedrichshafen GmbH with DB ZugBus Regionalverkehr Alb-Bodensee GmbH, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport has been funding this project with nearly EUR 14 million since 2020.
Details on the KIT Mobility Systems Center
In close partnership with society, KIT develops solutions for urgent challenges – from climate change, energy transition and sustainable use of natural resources to artificial intelligence, sovereignty and an aging population. As The University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT unites scientific excellence from insight to application-driven research under one roof – and is thus in a unique position to drive this transformation. As a University of Excellence, KIT offers its more than 10,000 employees and 22,800 students outstanding opportunities to shape a sustainable and resilient future. KIT – Science for Impact.