In collaboration with the Institute for Mobility and Transport (imove) and in cooperation with the project partner MoD Holding GmbH, the use of self-driving electric shuttles in the Hambach an der Weinstraße district was investigated. In addition to researching the technical feasibility and environmental impact, the accompanying research focused on strengthening tourism and acceptance research.
At the same time, the project was an important building block in supplementing the existing mobility services in Neustadt an der Weinstraße with a comprehensive mobility-on-demand service. To this end, it was crucial that the new form of mobility could be integrated into the existing urban planning and transport infrastructure and would be well accepted by the population. As part of this process, the influencing factors and system limits defined in 2019 for the operation of self-driving electric shuttles were verified and adapted. At the same time, various test routes were defined locally, planned in detail and approved for testing in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. In addition, an information event was held and a citizens' forum was held in spring 2021. Experience shows that projects only really have a chance of establishing themselves in the long term if they are accepted by the local population.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and some delays in vehicle delivery, the project term was extended until the end of December 2021 and was successfully completed.
