Longer travel times and new stops in the east
The KIRA Shuttle pilot project is further expanding its services. As the Rhine-Main Transport Association (RMV) reports, the autonomous vehicles have been operating with extended hours and a larger route network since April.
Longer operating hours and more vehicles
The self-driving shuttles now operate from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday through Friday. With two additional vehicles, the fleet grows to a total of eight units. The aim is to better meet demand, especially during peak commuting hours.
New operating area and more stops
The service area was significantly expanded at the beginning of March: In Darmstadt, it now includes, among other areas, the Martinsviertel district, the Mathildenhöhe, and the eastern part of the city. New stops were also established in Langen and Egelsbach.
The shuttles now serve approximately 130 stops. All rides are free for registered users as part of the pilot project.
High demand and positive reviews
More than 3,500 people are currently registered for the service. According to a study by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), many use the service in their daily lives, for example for commuting home, shopping, or leisure activities.
Users rate their rides an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in the app. The feeling of safety is also rated very highly, at 4.8 stars.
The future of autonomous public transport
The project is considered an important step towards autonomous on-demand public transport services. KIRA is the first project in Germany to test the use of self-driving vehicles in Level 4 operation with passengers.
Participants include DB Regio, HEAG mobilo and other partners from research and technology.
Further information and registration options are available online:
www.kira-autonom.de
DARMSTADT – RED/HEAG MOBILO)
Featured image: DB/RMV/Oliver Lang
