On the one hand, Munich is home to numerous centuries-old historical sites and buildings, such as the old South Cemetery or the remains of the Maiden Tower. On the other hand, it is also home to major international tech companies such as Google and Amazon. A city where tradition meets modernity allows for the perfect symbiosis between tradition and innovation. It is therefore hardly surprising that driverless public transport is now being tested in this city. A few weeks ago, Munich launched a pilot project to test self-driving buses for local public transport. The aim is to show the extent to which such a service is sustainable for the city and what potential lies behind it.
First test drives with the autonomous buses
The electric minibus measures 8 meters and offers space for up to 52 passengers. The model from the manufacturer Karsan is not yet driving on the streets of Munich, but on the MVG premises in Moosach. The bus has been doing its test laps here since mid-December and is being put through its paces.
The results so far have been positive. The bus tends to brake earlier rather than later. It is equipped with sensors all round, which make driving the bus very safe. The modern technology ensures that the bus behaves safely in the various, even more complex, traffic situations that it might encounter in everyday life. In addition to lane changes and turns, this also includes roadworks and unforeseen events. So far, the tests have turned out very well and MVG is satisfied with the behavior of the bus.
500 autonomous buses for Munich?
They are already on the road in Norway, but we in Germany will have to wait a little longer before we can be taken from A to B by driverless buses. It could take until the end of the decade before there are approved vehicles for regular operation. By then, autonomous buses could become a normal part of Munich’s cityscape.
When the time comes, there could be up to 500 of these self-driving buses on the streets of Munich. Especially in times when there is a shortage of bus drivers, these could be a valid addition to public transport. This would also mean that local transport in the outskirts of the city could run more frequently.