Munich will begin passenger trials of an autonomous MAN electric bus on November 17 as part of the MINGA research project, marking a new phase in the city’s development of automated public transport. More than 2,000 people have already registered their interest in participating in the test rides, which will take place between Petuelring and Freimanner Hölzl.
The vehicle, based on the MAN Lion’s City 12 E, has been undergoing autonomous driving tests on public roads in Munich. Selected participants will now be able to experience the technology as part of supervised passenger operations running from Monday to Friday.
MAN Electric Bus Enters Passenger Testing Phase
The autonomous bus began trial operations on public roads in early September, following initial testing and route preparation by MAN, Munich Transport Company (MVG) and Stadtwerke München (SWM).
The vehicle operates on route 178, connecting Petuelring and Freimanner Hölzl, although it has so far travelled without passengers.
MAN’s technology partner Adastec has equipped the Lion’s City 12 E with five LiDAR sensors, six radar systems, eight cameras and satellite positioning technology to support autonomous driving.
The initial test drives enabled the project partners to collect the route information required for automated operation. From November 17, the programme will move to supervised passenger trials, with a safety driver remaining on board throughout the testing period to take control whenever necessary.
“With the first test rides, passengers can now experience our technology in everyday use. This is a decisive step. Alongside safe and reliable technology, autonomous vehicles also need people’s trust, and that is what we want to earn,” said Dr Frederik Zohm, Executive Board Member for Research and Development at MAN Truck & Bus.
The experience gathered through MINGA will also contribute to the development of future vehicle generations and additional autonomous transport applications, Zohm added.
Passenger testing is scheduled to continue until June 2027. Interested participants can register through the Munich Transport Company’s website to join the pool of potential test riders.
MINGA Develops Multiple Autonomous Transport Solutions
Launched in Munich in 2023, MINGA focuses on automated public transport solutions, including autonomous buses, on-demand mobility and coordinated bus operations.
The project is managed by the Mobility Department of the City of Munich and receives approximately €13 million in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Transport.
Alongside the MAN electric bus, the initiative includes autonomous on-demand vehicles based on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. These vehicles have already undergone testing on public roads, although passenger services have not yet started.
The programme brings together public authorities, transport operators, vehicle manufacturers and research institutions to examine how autonomous mobility systems can be integrated into existing transport networks.
Munich Evaluates Autonomous Buses for Public Transport
Munich Deputy Mayor Mona Fuchs said autonomous buses could create additional opportunities for the city’s public transport system, particularly as operators face staffing shortages and budget constraints.
“In future, autonomous buses will open up new opportunities for local public transport in Munich. Staff shortages and tight budgets are currently putting day-to-day operations under pressure,” Fuchs said.
She also highlighted accessibility and passenger involvement as important elements of the project, noting that public confidence and perceptions of safety will influence the adoption of autonomous transport.
The passenger trials are being monitored by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the University of Stuttgart. Their research will examine passenger experiences, acceptance of autonomous driving technology and its potential application in public transport.
Project Examines Potential for Larger Autonomous Bus Fleets
The MINGA partners are also assessing whether autonomous buses can eventually become part of regular scheduled services at scale.
Sinaida Cordes, Authorised Signatory at SWM and MVG, said the project aims to determine whether automated buses can be integrated into public transport operations reliably and cost-effectively.
The 12-metre MAN electric bus represents an important part of this assessment, as the project is examining autonomous technology in a vehicle size suitable for higher-capacity public transport operations.
Findings from the trials are expected to provide further insight into the operational requirements, passenger acceptance and economic considerations involved in deploying autonomous electric buses across urban transport networks.