Germany’s public transport initiative KIRA has commenced real-world road testing of its Level 4 autonomous robotaxi vehicles in the Offenbach district, marking a significant milestone for driverless public transit in the country.
The program, a partnership between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the Rhein-Main Transport Association, is the first in Germany to trial Level 4 automated vehicles for public use. The autonomous shuttles, operated by DB Regio Bus Mitte, are currently running in the city of Langen and the municipality of Egelsbach, with plans to expand service into parts of Darmstadt later this year.
The fleet comprises six Nio ES8 electric SUVs outfitted with LIDAR sensors, cameras, and Mobileye’s self-driving software. These six-passenger vehicles navigate pre-set routes autonomously, including driverless travel without passengers, at speeds up to 130 km/h. However, human safety drivers remain onboard during the current testing phase, while a remote control center monitors all maneuvers.
Deutsche Bahn highlighted the potential for autonomous shuttles to serve off-peak times and less populated areas, aiming to enhance accessibility and sustainability in public transit. Initial plans for the project announced in May 2023 faced delays, primarily due to the insolvency of Clever Shuttle, a former DB subsidiary originally involved in the initiative.
Multiple partners contribute to the KIRA program, including DB’s ioki division managing booking and route planning software, Mobileye providing driving technology, and research institutions such as the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV). The project has received €2.2 million in federal and state funding and is slated to continue through 2025, with prospects for extension.
Hessen’s Minister for Economy, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Areas, Kaweh Mansoori, described KIRA as a “blueprint for the mobility of the future,” emphasizing its role in making public transport more attractive and accessible, particularly in suburban and rural regions. Meanwhile, Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder called autonomous driving “a key technology for innovative, environmentally friendly, and barrier-free mobility,” expressing hopes to integrate such systems into regular nationwide operation.