Germany’s new self-driving ride could be the future of commuting
Published on Jun 02, 2025 at 10:16 PM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan
Last updated on Jun 02, 2025 at 12:38 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Germany has just launched its first public self-driving ride service, and it’s happening in Langen, a small town just south of Frankfurt.
The project is called KIRA, and it’s a game-changer for public transport.
Instead of waiting for a bus, you can now book a ride in a self-driving shuttle using an app.
It’s like Uber, but with no driver; just hop in and go!
VISIT SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie
KIRA is a pilot project testing Level 4 autonomous shuttles in real-world conditions.
Level 4 autonomous vehicles can do every driving task on their own, moving from point A to point B. However, a human driver is still required to override if necessary.
These shuttles are operating in Langen and the nearby municipality of Egelsbach in the Offenbach district.
Passengers can book rides through a dedicated app.
A safety driver is present, but the vehicle handles all driving maneuvers.
The service is expected to expand to parts of Darmstadt later this year.
While self-driving cars are not unheard of in major cities, the KIRA project is actually a response to the growing challenges in rural public transport.
Knut Ringat, managing director of the Rhine-Main metropolitan area’s transport association, highlighted that over 40 percent of bus drivers are over 55.
This means that there will be a shortage of drivers in the coming years.
Autonomous shuttles like KIRA could fill this gap, providing flexible, on-demand transport in areas where traditional bus services are limited.
The goal is for KIRA to become a viable alternative to other forms of public transport by 2030, especially in rural areas.
By offering 24/7 service where traditional buses might only run a few times a day, KIRA aims to make public transport more accessible and attractive for everyone.
So, if you find yourself in Langen, don’t be shocked if your ride arrives without a driver.
And if you’re feeling a little nervous, don’t be.
After all, with the way self-driving cars can pass even the weirdest of driving tests, so you’re in good hands.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Jason Fan is an experienced content creator who graduated from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore with a degree in communications. He then relocated to Australia during a millennial mid-life crisis. A fan of luxury travel and high-performance machines, he politely thanks chatbots just in case the AI apocalypse ever arrives. Jason covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on technology, planes and luxury.
