FLASH - Driverless Automated Shuttle arrives in Northern Saxony

By project EMBRACER

Published on 13 February 2024

Germany

Leipzig

About this good practice

The initiative is developed and promoted by The District Northern Saxony and North Saxony Mobile GmbH FLASH on 1st of January 2019. Rural areas often lack reliable and well-developed public transport. FLASH addresses this gap by providing an automated shuttle service in northern Saxony, offering sustainable transport options even in rural areas. The project specifically targets the Schladitzer See area, a former mining pit transformed into a recreational area. Despite its amenities, accessibility via public transport has been lacking. FLASH aims to establish a suitable transport solution tailored to the region, anticipating further strain on public transport due to increased demand for skilled personnel. To achieve its goals spatial analyses were performed, identifying suitable routes for the shuttle service based on demographic and traffic data. A vehicle concept compatible with regional requirements and current technology was developed. The process involved evaluating passenger and tourism potentials, assessing existing traffic infrastructure, and considering various route options. This comprehensive approach ensured the selection of an optimal route. Furthermore, IAV GmbH, Fraunhofer Institute für traffic and infrastructural systems, TS Automotive Engineering GmbH and AMCOM are relevant actors. Beneficiaries are residents of Northern Saxony and neighbouring regions who gain access to improved transportation options and
enhanced connectivity.

Resources needed

To implement such initiative, it requires total monetary cost of €1,068,115. The project received funding from governmental sources. Pilot operation required technically skilled personnel for infrastructure and vehicle maintenance, along with staff for ride assistance,
estimated at 5-8 employees.

Evidence of success

FLASH's success is clear, transitioning from pilot phase to regular service. With 1000 passengers per season and 1500 trips in 2023, acceptance is evident. Accommodating 20 passengers at 60 km/h FLASH stands out & aligns with demand. Operating costs are comparable to normal public transport with ongoing data analysis to improve the service. Punctuality is consistent. Operational safety is guaranteed through seamless manual and automated transitions. It operates April to October, 3 days a week.

Potential for learning or transfer

FLASH stands as a blueprint for rolling out self-sufficient transportation solutions in rural regions, offering valuable insights and best practices applicable to diverse communities. Its outcomes have significantly fueled the advancement and execution of sustainable mobility solutions across Central Germany, playing an indispensable role in molding local transportation transitions. As these cutting-edge technologies demand local expertise, they catalyze regional structural evolution. The revelations have illuminated a viable path for deploying automated transport systems, particularly tailored to the unique needs of rural areas in Central Germany. Future plans entail harnessing acquired experiences and technical frameworks to replicate such transport models in the vicinity and extend their accessibility to other regions. The North Saxony District is committed to amassing crucial insights and laying the groundwork for resilient transportation systems of tomorrow.