In Ilmenau, autonomous shuttles now run regularly between the train station and the campus of the Technical University.
The first two self-driving buses were recently put into operation in Ilmenau in Thuringia. The highly automated shuttle buses now commute between the train station and the campus of the Technical University. The project was actually supposed to be initiated in the fall, but there were a few difficulties, so the start could only take place on June 1st.
The municipal bus company IOV has trained eight people on the buses so that they can be used in regular scheduled services. During the journey, one person must always be on board, the so-called operator. The e-shuttles are equipped with sensors that enable navigation.
The defined route had to be recorded beforehand. It measures two kilometers and has five stops where you can get on or off. The fare is 1.60 euros. The shuttle travels at a speed of 18 kilometers per hour and can accommodate up to six people. They are manufacturer shuttles EasyMile.
The Ilm-Kreis is supporting the project with 300,000 euros for the purchase of the buses. The money was also used for charging stations and storage facilities. The project will be evaluated after some time.