Overview

• The Berlin public transport operator BVG plans to secure approval for fully autonomous vehicles by 2027, in collaboration with Hamburg's Hochbahn and backed by federal funding.
• Germany currently lacks any fully autonomous vehicles in public traffic, and the BVG aims to pioneer this technology in urban environments.
• Partially automated U-Bahn trains are also being developed for the U3 and U5 lines, with features like automatic braking and acceleration to improve efficiency and capacity.
• Modernizing Berlin's century-old transit infrastructure remains a significant hurdle for implementing both autonomous and partially automated systems.
• Despite ongoing operational issues, including outdated vehicles and service delays, the BVG has stabilized reliability at 95–96% and continues to prioritize long-term technological advancements.