The objective of auto.Flotte was to identify and assess current and foreseeable developments in the field of automated vehicle fleets in public transport at an early stage and to derive options for action for the public sector and mobility operators. This was achieved through desk research, interviews with experts and stakeholders, scenario and simulation-based analyses, and interaction with the project’s funding body.
In collaboration between AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, ALP.Lab GmbH, pdcp GmbH, and Tech Meets Legal GmbH, the project compiled and delivered comprehensive insights into the following areas:
a) Test sites
b) Checklists for initial and recurring technical function and safety assessments
c) Roles and workplace requirements for technical supervision personnel
d) Qualification of employees, their personnel management, fleet management
e) A catalogue of measures for service disruptions
f) An overview of existing companies and teleoperation systems
g) Standardised terminology and definitions related to teleoperation
h) Regulatory requirements for application scenarios, vehicles, control centers, communication technologies, and governance structures
i) A comprehensive list of relevant standards
j) A legal analysis of the regulatory landscape for automated public transport in the EU, with a particular focus on the AI Act, as well as national regulations in Germany and France
» In addition to the authorisation, insurance and legal framework as well as the training of qualified personnel, research indicates that a critical mass of vehicle orders through appropriate partnerships is necessary. Only then will the industry be able to develop suitable solutions for public transport fleets. «
Portrait Wolfgang Ponweiser © AIT / Feuser
Wolfgang Ponweiser
Senior Research Engineer, Transport Optimisation & Energy Logistics, Center for Energy, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
The most significant effects of the introduction of automated public transport fleets (although for many only in the long term) are expected to be increased flexibility of public transport services, improved supply reliability and quality of service, as well as improvements in the areas of traffic safety and inclusion. Organisational and business models are particularly evident in the collaboration between automation specialists and vehicle manufacturers. However, there are different models for operator structures. This is a great opportunity for Austrian players to position themselves internationally. Recommendations from all these results:
Based on these insights, auto.Flotte formulated targeted recommendations for action for the public sector and public transport operators were derived:
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