Autonomous driving will be key for the future of public transportation services. This session will highlight the potential of autonomous vehicles, focusing on the pioneering project KIRA (German for ‘AI-based regular operation of autonomous on-demand transport’), Germany's first Level 4 autonomous public transportation pilot. The project aims to integrate self-driving vehicles into the public transportation network in the Rhine-Main area. Currently, six vehicles operate autonomously in Darmstadt and the district of Offenbach, addressing driver shortages and contributing to the mobility transition. Based on KIRA, the presentation will provide valuable insights into technological and regulatory challenges while enhancing public transportation services.

• Main learnings within the KIRA project, technological and operational challenges, regulatory frameworks and strategies for enhancing user acceptance
• Insights into technological advancements and regulatory challenges faced during the implementation of the KIRA project
• Overview of the current state and future potential of autonomous driving technology in public transportation
• Approaches to scaling autonomous driving in Germany