Deutsche Bahn (DB), in cooperation with the Rhein-Main Transport Association (RMV), has initiated what Europe’s first public transport service using robotaxis. The initiative, named KIRA—short for “AI-based Regular Operation of Autonomous On-Demand Transport”—marks a major advancement in bringing driverless mobility into everyday use.
Operating in the cities of Langen and Egelsbach near Frankfurt, the project involves six autonomous shuttles that carry real passengers under test conditions. These vehicles operate at Level 4 autonomy, meaning they can drive without human input within predefined areas. While safety drivers are still on board during the trial phase, the shuttles independently manage navigation, speed, and route decisions. Riders must register via the dedicated KIRA app to access the service.
The project is the first in Germany to bring Level 4 autonomous vehicles into public transport with passengers on board. It represents not just a test of technology but a pilot for future service integration.
“Autonomous driving is a key technology for innovative, environmentally friendly, and accessible mobility,” said Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder. “With our support for Project KIRA, we want to inspire citizens to experience the benefits of autonomous shuttles. It’s about convenience, accessibility, and making this future tangible today.”
The service targets suburban and rural areas—regions where traditional public transport services often run infrequently. By offering on-demand rides around the clock, robotaxis could fill existing gaps and expand coverage.
“Autonomous driving enables public transport to be available anytime and anywhere,” said Prof. Knut Ringat, CEO of RMV. “When small, driverless buses operate around the clock in places where conventional buses only run a few times a day, it transforms availability and attractiveness of public mobility—especially in rural areas.”
Deutsche Bahn is operating the vehicles through its regional subsidiary DB Regio Bus Mitte. The booking and routing software is developed by ioki, a DB-owned platform that integrates software components from various technology partners. Mobileye is providing the self-driving systems, including high-definition maps and sensor technology.
“Autonomous driving presents a huge opportunity to make public transport more attractive and affordable—especially outside metropolitan areas,” said Evelyn Palla, DB Executive Board Member for Regional Transport. “Project KIRA offers a powerful preview of what is possible. We aim to play a key role in shaping the public transport of tomorrow.”
The pilot is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Transport and the State of Hesse, with research contributions from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV). The current test phase runs until the end of 2025, with an extension under consideration.
“Hesse is setting new standards in the use of forward-looking transportation technologies,” said Kaweh Mansoori, Minister for Transport in the State of Hesse. “With this launch, we are the first federal state in Germany to provide public access to autonomous mobility. KIRA is a blueprint for the future of transport.”
