Autonomous buses will soon start in Eimsbüttel: test operations from 2025!

Autonomous buses will soon start in Eimsbüttel: test operations from 2025!

Hamburg is facing a revolutionary change in public transport! From the middle of next year, Eimsbüttel will become a test site for autonomous passenger transport. The ambitious “Project Alike” is intended to expand the public transport offering over three years by having on-demand vehicles on the road in the city's districts. The Hamburger Hochbahn has taken on the leadership of this groundbreaking project.

The project is supported by 26 million euros from the federal government. Hochbahn plans to use Holon minibuses that can accommodate up to 15 people. Dr. Anjes Tjarks, Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition, describes ridepooling as an innovative mix of taxi and bus that is intended to create an attractive alternative to owning a car. The mobility service provider Moia will also be part of the project with its smaller vehicles for four people.

Test drives and social acceptance

The test drives are expected to begin in mid-2025 in a clearly defined area that includes, among other things, Harvestehude, Rotherbaum and the area of ​​the Beim Schlump road. The aim is to test the technical implementation of autonomous driving and research social acceptance. A representative survey has already been launched to find out how the public reacts to these new means of transport and what needs need to be taken into account in further development.

The first test drives will be carried out with selected groups of people. While the trips with Moia are expected to begin in mid-2025, the elevated train service with Holon will not start until the beginning of 2026. Safety drivers will be used in both cases to ensure the safety of the test subjects. Who can apply as a test customer is currently being determined; further information will follow in spring 2025. The service can be booked conveniently via the Hvv switch and Moia apps.