Volkswagen subsidiary Moia will start a pilot robotaxi service in Germany, Business Insider reported on July 17 (local time).
Moia said pre-registered Hamburg residents can book autonomous Volkswagen ID. Buzz vans via an app. Up to 5 vehicles will operate initially and the number will later rise to as many as 10, a Moia spokesperson said.
Each vehicle will have a trained safety operator on board who can intervene if needed. Moia plans for unmanned operation to be handled later by a remote operations centre.
The pilot service is closer to an autonomous shuttle and ride-sharing robotaxi than a dedicated ride-hailing service such as Alphabet's Waymo. Passengers heading in the same direction can share a vehicle, and pick-ups and drop-offs will take place at designated virtual stops.
The service area will cover about 4 square miles in Hamburg and will expand to 14 square miles.
Fares will be free during the pilot period. Passengers will later be able to book the service through Hamburg public transport app hvv switch.
Chi-gyu Hwang
delight@d-today.co.kr