Freenow pilot project with autonomous taxis in three Hamburg districts

Hamburg and Freenow by Lyft are cooperating on the introduction of autonomous taxis in the city. The vehicles are to be gradually integrated into the existing mobility system to complement public transport. Initially, this is intended to densify the network, especially during off-peak hours and in more outlying districts. The corresponding memorandum was signed by Anjes Tjarks, Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, and Freenow CEO Thomas Zimmermann at Hamburg City Hall.

Initially on the periphery

According to the agreement, a pilot operation in western Altona, northern Hamburg, and Bergedorf will establish an on-demand service on the periphery of Hamburg's public transport system to improve connectivity to central hubs. With this, the partners not only want to test robotaxis as a supplement to public transport but also to demonstrate new opportunities for taxi operators. Zimmermann promises to "actively involve the local taxi industry from the outset" with new jobs in maintenance, operation, and fleet management.

According to Hamburg, high safety and operational standards apply to the integration of autonomous vehicles, the testing of Level 4 vehicles in regular taxi operations, and the close involvement of local taxi companies. Operational and usage data are to be systematically evaluated "in order to soundly examine the possibilities for a later expansion of the service". Moia has been present in Hamburg for some time. Recently, the operator presented an autonomous ride-sharing taxi based on the VW ID. Buzz.

(fpi)