Pilot operation at the European Forum Alpbach shows the potential of autonomous mobility in public transport.
Mobility history was made in Tyrol, Austria, almost 120 years ago when, in August 1907, the first journey of a post bus in Austria ran from Neumarkt to Predazzo (South Tyrol-Trentino). At the European Forum Alpbach 2026, ÖBB is opening a new chapter and using an electric bus with a fully autonomous driving function in accordance with SAE Level 4 in passenger operation for the first time in Austria. The Otokar autonomous e-Centro takes passengers on a defined route through Alpbach and gains valuable experience under real operating conditions. The pilot operation is free of charge for passengers and with a safety driver on board.
Alpbach shows what is already possible today. The use of a fully autonomous bus in an environment with challenging topography, narrow streets and a high volume of traffic is an important practical test for the mobility of the future.
“Innovative technologies must not only exist in the laboratory, but under real conditions. It is precisely this practical experience that we need in order to further develop public transport step by step,” emphasizes ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä.
Regarding the Alpbach operation Otokar Commercial Director Anna Mejer said; “By combining ÖBB’s extensive expertise in public transportation with Otokar’s proven strengths in autonomous mobility, this project lays a solid foundation for the future of autonomous public transport. We are proud to join this important journey and to contribute Austria’s experience in autonomous public transport through real-world applications.”
Key technology for public transport
For ÖBB, autonomous driving is a key technology for the mobility of the future. The focus is on the question of how autonomous vehicles can meaningfully complement public transport and create additional mobility services. Future applications range from clearly defined routes in regional mobility services to solutions for the first and last mile. The findings from the pilot operation in Alpbach form the basis for further applications. In the next step, Otokar’s fully autonomous e-Centro at the Wolfurt campus in Vorarlberg will connect companies in the industrial park to the S-Bahn and gain further practical experience there.
Technology from international practical applications
The all-electric Autonomous e-CENTRO C from the Turkish bus manufacturer Otokar, whose technology was developed with its own engineering expertise, will be used. The vehicle has SAE Level 4 technology and can in principle take over the driving task independently within a defined area of application. According to Austrian law, there is still a trained safety driver on board. Otokar already has experience with autonomous scheduled services in Europe, including in Madrid. These findings are now being incorporated into Austrian applications.
OBB Bus-3
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