Germany Anticipates Driverless Buses in Cities by 2027

The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt predicts autonomous buses will soon operate widely, urging legal reforms and investment to accelerate adoption.

The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) expects self-driving buses to begin operating in German cities by 2026 or 2027, with Hamburg potentially deploying 10,000 autonomous shuttles by 2030.
KBA President Richard Damm emphasized the need for legal adjustments, such as removing requirements for driver rest periods, to facilitate the rollout of autonomous vehicles.
Autonomous buses are seen as a solution to improve service flexibility, address driver shortages, and enhance public transportation efficiency in urban areas.
Several German cities, including Berlin, Munich, and Ludwigsburg, have already tested autonomous bus prototypes, though with safety drivers present during trials.
Damm called on policymakers and transit operators to prioritize investment in autonomous technology, citing its potential long-term benefits despite high initial costs.