ULTIMO - Horizon Europe
The European ULTIMO project marks a new stage in the development of autonomous mobility. Launched in 2022, it aims to deploy the first large-scale public transport services with economically viable, passenger-centred automated vehicles, on demand and without an operator on board. Building on past experiences such as AVENUE and SHOW, ULTIMO intends to unlock the integration of AVs in cities for more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive mobility.
ULTIMO: large-scale passenger-centred autonomous mobility.
In recent years, numerous projects have tested automated vehicles (AV) in public transport, yet none have achieved large-scale commercial deployment. With the launch of ULTIMO, the project aims to establish a new foundation and deploy the very first economically viable on-demand public transport AV services, focused on passengers.
Building on success to create a new future...
Drawing on the experience of previous projects such as SHOW and AVENUE, ULTIMO will deploy large fleets in three European cities to establish a commercially viable public transport service.
With Deutsche Bahn at the helm, ULTIMO brings together 23 partners from eight European countries for a period of four years. As part of the project, UITP is proud to lead the dissemination and awareness activities, ensuring the engagement of the entire value chain within the sector.
ULTIMO will deploy autonomous vehicles at three locations in Europe, namely Kronach (Germany), Oslo (Norway), and Geneva (Switzerland), with at least 15 multi-supplier vehicles at each site. The goal is to target fully automated operation with onboard safety for passengers, supported by innovative user-centred passenger services.
Overcoming barriers... by uniting the strengths of the sector
The current limited lifespan of vehicles, combined with the costs of onboard security operators and technological advancements, means that certain economic challenges still need to be mastered.
Furthermore, the necessary changes to urban infrastructures and the integration of AV services into the mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) offerings of operators raise significant questions about how to realistically incorporate AVs into public transport networks.
The ULTIMO project will build on past experiences and projects, focusing on the barriers that hinder the large-scale adoption of AVs, particularly the economic challenges.
Deployment announcement in Germany, Norway, and Switzerland
The transport sector is at a major turning point with automated vehicles. Although AVs (Automated Vehicles) have the potential to revolutionise mobility by making it more sustainable and accessible, their large-scale deployment remains a challenge. The ULTIMO project, funded by the EU and Switzerland, addresses this issue by collaborating with 23 organisations to overcome the barriers to widespread, user-centred adoption.
ULTIMO will deploy AVs in several European cities, offering innovative mobility services that complement existing transport options. From on-demand minibuses in Herford (DE) to point-to-point AVs in Oslo (NO) connecting suburbs to metro stations, and versatile AVs in Geneva (CH) with no fixed route or timetable that passengers can book while personalising their journey via an app. ULTIMO is exploring various solutions for more efficient urban-rural mobility. These initiatives will contribute to a sustainable transport future in Europe, providing improved mobility for all.
More information in the video below.
Partners
The ULTIMO project consortium - "Advancing Sustainable User-centric Mobility with Automated Vehicles" brings together 23 partners:
- DB Regio Bus DE
- University of Geneva CH
- Pforzheim University DE
- Geneva Public Transport CH
- Ruter AS NO
- Navya FR
- Yogoko FR
- Sensible 4 OY FI
- Trapeze Group Europe A/S DK
- International Association of Public Transport BE
- Padam Mobility FR
- Altran Innovacion ES
- BAX Innovation Consulting SL ES
- National Centre for Research and Technological Development EL
- Siemens Aktiengesellschaft DE
- Centralsupelec FR
- MobileThinking SARL CH
- Arthurs's Legal BV NL
- Canton of Geneva - Department of Economy and Employment CH
- Swiss Association for Autonomous Mobility (SAAM) CH
- Open Geneva CH
- ZF CV Systems Global GmbH CH
To learn more about the ULTIMO project, click here
Acknowledgements
Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the funding authority can be held responsible.<\/p>
This work has been funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
