Dr. Barbara Lenz is a transport researcher whose work focuses on transport, mobility, and communication within the context of technical, ecological, economic, and social conditions. For more than a decade, she has been researching autonomous driving and mobility services. Currently, she coordinates knowledge exchange and collaboration between scientific teams conducting accompanying research for ongoing autonomous driving projects in public transport. The goal is to build a shared understanding across projects of how autonomous mobility services are accepted, and what users expect from them.
In this interview, Barbara Lenz talks about the role autonomous mobility will play in the future, how to balance technological progress with human behavior, and how these developments can support climate goals. She also outlines the most important factors shaping public acceptance of autonomous mobility.
You published your book, Autonomous Driving: Technical, Legal and Social Aspects, back in 2015. Which of your insights from that time no longer apply today?
Much of it still holds true. What has changed significantly, however, is how widely known the topic has become. Back then, almost half of the respondents said they had never heard of autonomous driving. Today, awareness is much higher. Curiosity and willingness to engage with the topic have grown as well. Ten years ago, the focus was mainly on autonomous private cars, while public transport played only a minor role. Now, public transport has become a central part of the discussion.
How would you access this: Is there a human need for autonomous mobility?
There is a human need for mobility, but not specifically for autonomous mobility. And we need to distinguish between private and public transport here. In public transport, we are increasingly seeing a shortage of drivers, which brings automation more into focus. That makes sense. But more importantly, automation presents a fundamental opportunity to improve public transport by expanding its range of flexibility.
For example, high-performance, on-demand services could be introduced during off-peak times, such as in the evenings. Autonomous, fixed-route and on-demand services could ensure comprehensive public mobility in rural areas, while in cities, they could enable higher frequencies and longer operating hours. When public transport becomes more extensive and flexible, it becomes a more attractive alternative to private car use. This is a clear and direct way to advance environmental and climate protection.
To put it simply: Autonomous driving in public transport serves both individual mobility needs and society’s broader goal of strengthening sustainable mobility options.
What do you see as the key to a successful mobility transition?
The key lies in expanding shared mobility options and promoting active modes of travel, such as cycling and walking, in ways that are safe and appealing. “Shared mobility” first and foremost means public transport, ideally complemented by various shared services. And this applies not only to major cities, but also to smaller towns and rural areas. Through digitalization and automation, public transport and sharing services can be made more attractive and efficient even in less densely populated areas.
In your opinion, what are the two most important factors for public acceptance of autonomous mobility?
The first and most fundamental factor is safety. Without safety, there can be no acceptance. Vehicles must be able to move safely through traffic, and passengers must feel safe inside them.
The second crucial factor, particularly in the context of public transport, is availability. If automation helps ensure that services are readily available when needed, without long waits, acceptance will grow. Where pilot projects have given people their first direct experience of autonomous transport, we’ve seen many who are genuinely eager for these services to start operating. They’re not worried about the technology; they’re waiting for the day they can finally travel in autonomous vehicles.
What concrete steps are needed now to make autonomous mobility possible in cities?
We need to keep advancing both the technical and legal frameworks so that autonomous driving can operate safely without a safety driver. Cities and municipalities also need to be open to this innovation and willing to embrace it. That means working with state and federal governments to provide the necessary investments. Recent developments suggest that German vehicle manufacturers may play a key role as we move forward into the next phase of automation.
What’s the most pressing question for you right now when it comes to the future of mobility?
At the moment, I’m focused on how to strike the right balance between improving transport services and encouraging changes in travel behavior. The question is how we can design public spaces that serve a variety of legitimate interests, and, above all, contribute to quality of life in other cities and communities, while also motivating people to adopt more sustainable mobility habits without alienating them in the process.
Who would you most like to discuss the future of mobility with, and why?
The first person who comes to mind is Friedrich Merz. Ensuring mobility is a key aspect of public service provision, which makes it a matter for top political leadership. But it's not just ministers, the Chancellor or the President I’d like to talk to. These figures often have little direct experience of everyday travel. I’m convinced that you have to experience transport firsthand to truly grasp the real issues and challenges. It's about experiencing the problems people face every day, not viewing them from a distance.
About the expert:
Dr. Barbara Lenz is a transport researcher and geographer. From 2007 to 2021, she headed the DLR Institute of Transport Research in Berlin and was a professor of transport geography at Humboldt University in Berlin, where she continues to teach. She now works as an independent consultant and expert.
Her research focuses on public acceptance of new technologies in transport, particularly autonomous driving and its impact on passenger and freight mobility. She serves on several national and European advisory boards, including the Scientific Advisory Board of the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), Hamburg’s Climate Advisory Council, the Scientific Council of France’s CEREMA (Centre d'études et d'expertise sur les risques, l'environnement, la mobilité et l'aménagement), and the “Urban Mobility” working group of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
In 2013, she was awarded the French National Order of Merit (“Chevalier dans l'Ordre National du Mérite”) in recognition of her contributions to transnational research cooperation.