Stadtwerke München (SWM) and its mobility subsidiary Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG) are partnering with engineering firm IAV to develop autonomous on-demand transport services under the MINGA research project. The initiative aims to test three Level 4 autonomous shuttles in Munich’s Gern/Nymphenburg district beginning in 2026, marking a key step toward the city’s vision of smarter, more sustainable urban mobility.
Led by Munich’s Mobility Department, MINGA—short for Munich’s automated local transport with ride pooling, solo buses, and bus platoons—brings together 16 partners from government, research, and industry. The €13 million project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport, will run until 2027, testing autonomous shuttles, solo buses, and bus platoons in real-world environments to enhance public transport flexibility and efficiency.
Georg Dunkel, Munich’s Mobility Officer, said, “As the Mobility Department, we support our municipal transport company on its way to autonomous mobility services because we expect strong, positive effects for the people and the city in the long term.” The upcoming trial will feature ride-pooling technology to group passengers with similar routes, helping reduce traffic and improve environmental outcomes.
IAV is developing the autonomous shuttles using a VW ID. Buzz base, equipped with advanced sensors, GPS-based navigation, and proprietary self-driving software. The system integrates data from ioki GmbH’s routing software, which uses algorithms to optimize routes and passenger grouping. Carsten Rinka, Chief Sales Officer at IAV, described MINGA as “an important milestone on the way to a scalable solution in the field of autonomous public transport.”
The first phase of testing in 2026 will operate without passengers to fine-tune vehicle systems and ensure safety. Once certified under Germany’s Autonomous Driving Functions Ordinance (AFGBV), the shuttles will begin public trials. Safety personnel will remain on board throughout the pilot to assist passengers and intervene if necessary.
Sinaida Cordes, Deputy Managing Director of Mobility at SWM and MVG, said, “Autonomous vehicles can play a central role in overcoming the challenges facing public transport. Together with IAV, we want to take advantage of these opportunities.”