Visualization of an autonomous on-demand vehicle

Sinaida Cordes, Deputy Managing Director of Mobility at SWM and MVG: "Autonomous vehicles can play a central role in overcoming the challenges facing public transport. We see the opportunities that autonomous vehicles can offer, particularly in view of the increasing shortage of skilled workers and the need for more flexible public transport. Together with IAV, we want to take advantage of these opportunities, test smaller vehicle sizes for their practical suitability, and further develop them in line with our needs in order to offer the best possible mobility services."

Carsten Rinka, Chief Sales Officer at IAV, adds: "With our expertise in the field of autonomous system solutions, we are making a decisive contribution to the mobility of the future. In Munich, a hotspot of German industry, IAV is actively promoting a roadmap that will realize fully driverless driving in the near future. MINGA is an important milestone on the way to a scalable solution in the field of autonomous public transport – and IAV is the partner of choice for its implementation."

Deputy Managing Director Mobility at SWM and MVG Sinaida Cordes, Carsten Rinka, Chief Sales Officer at IAV

Focus on autonomous mobility: The MINGA project

The MINGA (Munich’s automated local transport with ride pooling, solo buses, and bus platoons) research project aims to use Munich as an example to show what local transport could look like in the future. Sixteen partners from administration, research, business, and industry are working together under the consortium leadership of the Mobility Department of the City of Munich to integrate innovative mobility solutions into everyday life. By 2027, autonomous shuttles, an autonomous solo bus, and a bus platoon are to be tested under real-life conditions in various test areas. The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport with 13 million euros.

Mobility Officer Georg Dunkel says: "Autonomous driving is an important technology for the future of public transport in Munich in order to meet current challenges, such as finding personnel and financing the service. As the Mobility Department, we support our municipal transport company on its way to autonomous mobility services because we expect strong, positive effects for the people and the city in the long term. For citizens, autonomous on-demand services in particular offer the potential for high added value in terms of flexibility, which could also reach people who have not previously used public transport."

One focus of the project is on a ride-pooling system that sets new standards through the integration of autonomous vehicles. Initially, three automated vehicles with Level 4 functionality will be deployed in the Munich district of Gern/Nymphenburg. With its complex traffic situations, this lively neighborhood offers ideal conditions for test operations. In the future, the shuttles will be driverless and monitored centrally by the MVG control center, and will be integrated into the regular public transport system – an important step towards autonomous mobility suitable for everyday use.

Tailor-made technology: collaboration with IAV

To gain initial experience in the operation of autonomous vehicles, MVG is relying on a close research and development partnership with IAV. Based on a VW ID. Buzz, IAV is developing a high-tech shuttle with state-of-the-art sensor technology. With the self-driving software developed by the internationally active company, the vehicle can perceive its surroundings in detail and navigate safely. The combination of precise GPS data, trip data from the ridepooling software, and the recognition of real traffic conditions forms the basis for the test operation.

As an important technology partner for on-demand transport, ioki GmbH is supplying the ridepooling and routing software that enables smart control of the autonomous fleet. The intelligent algorithm developed by ioki efficiently groups passengers with similar routes in one vehicle. This reduces traffic and contributes significantly to more sustainable mobility.

The development focuses not only on the technological aspects, but also on the needs of passengers. In the future, the capacity of the autonomous vehicles will be increased and accessibility improved. In addition, further adjustments in passenger communication, interior design, and safety concepts are necessary to optimize autonomous vehicles for use in public transportation.

Test operation under real conditions

Starting in 2026, the three autonomous shuttles will be tested in public road traffic. The test drives will initially be carried out without passengers, as the focus will be on commissioning and optimizing the autonomous driving system. Once operation is safe and running smoothly, citizens will have the opportunity to ride in the vehicles. Safety personnel will be on board at all times to intervene and act as contact persons for passengers. MVG will provide timely information as soon as registration for rides is possible. A prerequisite for operation is a test permit in accordance with the Ordinance on the Approval and Operation of Motor Vehicles with Autonomous Driving Functions (AFGBV). This permit allows the technology to be tested under real-world conditions, while ensuring the highest safety standards.

The first test phase will focus on the technical and operational aspects of driving. Riding along will be possible during the second phase of testing. Once a date has been set, MVG will provide timely information.

Further information on the project is available at mvg.de/minga and muenchenunterwegs.de/minga.