Hamburg, January 28 – In a groundbreaking move, Hamburg is preparing to launch a pilot project for autonomous taxis, marking it as the first German city to integrate such vehicles into daily urban transport. The initiative, a collaboration between the city’s transport authority and a US company, will initially focus on three districts: Altona, Nord, and Bergedorf.
Autonomous Taxis to Complement Public Transport
The project, which could see its first vehicles on the road later this year, aims to enhance Hamburg’s public transportation network. Transport Senator Anjes Tjarks (Green Party) emphasized that autonomous taxis are envisioned as a supplementary service, particularly beneficial during off-peak hours and in areas with limited public transport connectivity. The overarching goal is to gradually introduce new mobility solutions while adhering to stringent safety standards.
Local taxi companies are expected to be closely involved in this integration process, ensuring a collaborative approach to modernizing urban mobility. Thomas Zimmermann, CEO of the ride-hailing service “FreeNow,” a partner in the project, stated, “Together with the city, we are for the first time creating a clear framework to transition autonomous taxis from test operation to regular service.”
Phased Introduction with Safety Drivers
Initially, the so-called robotaxis will operate with a safety driver behind the wheel. According to “FreeNow,” the company anticipates that the first passengers could be on board within a few months. The timeline for when these vehicles will operate fully autonomously without human supervision remains unspecified.
This initiative follows other advancements in autonomous transport within Hamburg. The Hochbahn, Hamburg’s public transport operator, is also set to launch a depot for self-driving Holon shuttles. These autonomous buses, capable of carrying up to 15 passengers, are expected to begin operations around the turn of the year, further expanding the city’s autonomous vehicle fleet.
Broader Implications for Urban Mobility
The introduction of autonomous taxis in Hamburg represents a significant step towards a future where self-driving vehicles play a more prominent role in urban transportation. By focusing on complementing existing public transport and prioritizing safety, Hamburg aims to set a precedent for other German cities considering similar initiatives.
The project underscores a growing global trend towards exploring and implementing autonomous driving technologies to address urban mobility challenges, improve efficiency, and potentially reduce traffic congestion. The insights gained from Hamburg’s pilot project will be crucial in shaping future policies and technological developments in the field of autonomous transport.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/hamburg-testet-als-erste-deutsche-stadt-autonome-taxis-im-alltag,autonometaxis-100.html
