Kraushaar tests autonomous shuttle bus in North Saxony

Driving without a driver: Saxony's Infrastructure Minister Regina Kraushaar (CDU) has completed a test drive with a self-driving bus in Rackwitz (district of North Saxony). The driverless automated shuttle bus (Flash) has been in regular service since spring 2023. The project is being financed by federal funds for structural change.

"The project can impressively show us how structural change, climate protection, sustainable public transport and digitalization can go hand in hand," explained Kraushaar afterwards. The result is significantly more flexibility in linking the various means of transport. People would have more comfort and quality of life and, last but not least, the project would also contribute to sustainability and safe mobility.

The Flash bus is on the route from Rackwitz S-Bahn station to Schladitzer Bucht. The fully automated minibus is equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology. It offers space for up to 22 passengers and reaches a top speed of 70 kilometers per hour - a record among automated shuttles in Germany, according to the company.

For safety reasons, there is currently still a driver on board who can intervene if necessary. In future, however, the shuttle is to be controlled remotely via a 5G control center.