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Self-driving cars to undergo trial runs in the city's bustling streets

Public transit trials employ autonomous vehicles in the city.

Riders on public transport in Langen and Egelsbach, Offenbach district, are given the chance to try...
Riders on public transport in Langen and Egelsbach, Offenbach district, are given the chance to try out self-driving vehicles.

Public transport trials autonomous vehicle operation - Self-driving cars to undergo trial runs in the city's bustling streets

Autonomous public transport cars will commence trial runs in southern Hesse, starting Monday in Langen, Offenbach district. The pilot project, christened 'Kira' after its AI-driven on-demand service, will be presented at 10 am local time. Deutsche Bahn and the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV) are spearheading the initiative. Marking a national first, this joint effort will allow passengers to ride in autonomous vehicles within the public transport system.

These self-driving cars, equipped with a safety driver, are programmed to make all driving decisions. They're capable of reaching speeds up to 50 kilometers per hour within city limits and 100 kilometers per hour on highways.

Resident test passengers will be identified for the pilot project. The goal is to offer an on-demand service integrated into the public transport network, mirroring ride-hailing platforms such as Uber. Initially, operations will be limited to Langen and Egelsbach within the Offenbach district. Two cars are currently in operation, with an additional vehicle on standby. Darmstadt may be included in the service area later in 2025.

'Kira', representing AI-based regular operation of autonomous on-demand traffic, aims to make public transportation more appealing with its enhanced flexibility. According to Deutsche Bahn, these offerings could boost the attractiveness of public transport.

Funding for the Kira project, which started its public trials in late May 2025, comes from the Federal Ministry of Transport, with additional support from the RMV. The project, led by Deutsche Bahn and the RMV, utilizes technology from Intel-owned Mobileye and vehicles supplied by Chinese EV manufacturer Nio. Among its notable features, Kira represents the first use of Level 4 automated vehicles with passengers on public roads in Germany.

The community policy for the 'Kira' project, involving autonomous public transport cars, includes vocational training for the safety drivers overseeing the self-driving vehicles. This advanced technology integration within sports like soccer could potentially create opportunities for vocational training programs in the Offenbach district of Hesse.

With the growing popularity of sports incorporating technology, such as e-sports and virtual reality training, residents of Langen and Egelsbach may pursue vocational training in this field, further enhancing the community's appeals and opportunities.

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