Autonomous Mobility in Hamburg: MOIA Launches Test Phase with Passengers

Autonomous Mobility in Hamburg: MOIA Launches Test Phase with Passengers 

Autonomous mobility is becoming a reality in Hamburg. MOIA is launching a new testing phase in which selected external passengers will experience autonomous rides in real city traffic. This marks an important milestone for the project, transforming technical testing into a real everyday mobility experience. 

During the initial testing phases, the primary focus was on the technology. Sensors, software, and driving behavior were extensively tested under real world conditions. Since last year, MOIA employees and selected participants have been taking part in test rides. Now, fthe testing program is opening to external passengers in Hamburg. 

Riding Autonomously, with the Same Familiar Experience 

For passengers, the experience is very similar to MOIA's existing ridepooling service. Trips are booked through the MOIA app, passengers are picked up and taken to their destination. As with the current MOIA service, passengers traveling along similar routes share a vehicle. Pickups and drop offs take place at virtual stops along the route. The key difference is that the vehicle drives autonomously. 

Initially, the testing area covers parts of Winterhude, Barmbek and Wandsbek. A wide range of traffic situations provides ideal conditions for testing autonomous operations under real world conditions. During every trip, a specially trained safety driver remains on board to monitor the system and can take control at any time if necessary. 

The testing phase is not only about evaluating the technology. It also focuses on the passenger perspective. What does an autonomous ride feel like? How easy is it to book a ride through the MOIA app? How well does the service integrate into the existing transportation network? And where can the overall system be further improved? 

MOIA as part of the ALIKE Project 

The testing phase is part of ALIKE, a research and innovation project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport. The goal of the project is to gradually integrate autonomous mobility into everyday urban life. In addition to the vehicles themselves, the project focuses on the interaction between technology, cities, and people. 

Under the overall leadership of HOCHBAHN, MOIA, HOLON, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and Hamburg's Authority for Transport and Mobility Transition are working together on the implementation and scientific evaluation of the project. 

Hamburg serves as a real-world testing environment. The insights gained from these test rides contribute to the European exchange of knowledge and support the continued development of autonomous mobility services. 

Autonomous Mobility Learns in Real Traffic 

Autonomous mobility continues to evolve where it is tested under real world conditions. That is why MOIA tests its technology in a variety of operating environments around the world. 

In addition to Hamburg, MOIA is gaining experience with autonomous mobility services at locations across Germany, Norway and the United States. Different traffic and environmental conditions help optimize the technology under real operating conditions and prepare it for future everyday use. 

With this latest testing phase, Hamburg is taking the next step. For the first time, the entire system is being tested, from booking a ride in the MOIA-app to the autonomous journey with external passengers. 

Another Step Toward Commercial Operations

The new testing phase marks another important milestone on the path toward the regular operation of autonomous mobility services. Feedback from passengers provides valuable insights for further improving the system and helps shape autonomous mobility together with the people who will use it in the future. 

In the long term, autonomous ridepooling is intended to complement public transportation by providing a flexible and efficient mobility option. At the same time, the experience gained in Hamburg lays an important foundation for gradually bringing the MOIA platform to additional markets.