Demographic change and the declining population are a growing challenge for mobility in rural regions. That’s why the HubChain project is working on new forms of rural public transport based on digital systems and autonomous vehicles. Within the project period, the project partner will establish a distribution platform for the participating transport companies. This platform is intended to enable the combination of on-demand transport services with scheduled bus routes. The system will also include a digital mobility platform that will enable customers to use these services more easily (e.g., to book an on-demand ride).

In addition, the developed platform will also be applied to autonomous vehicles. It will be particularly important to take into account the legal framework that currently restricts autonomous driving in public spaces. Therefore, the legal framework, current standards, data protection as well as the acceptance of the population will also be considered in order to successfully implement the system.

In HubChain IKEM will provide support regarding ad hoc legal issues. Furthermore, IKEM will develop and analyze practical operator and business models with regard to the legal framework, as well as justify proposed measures for the way forward. In connection with the test fields of the surrounding area and the city of Osnabrück, IKEM will also develop roadmaps for the legally compliant establishment of autonomous shuttles as public transport feeders. F inally, with its relevant expertise in the field of autonomous driving, IKEM is participating in the development of simulative and prognostic future scenarios for new mobility services with a significantly increased share of autonomous vehicles.