As part of the expansion programme of its range of products for autonomous and electric shuttle systems, ZF is offering all the supplementary services required for the planning, implementation, operation, maintenance, and repair of autonomous passenger transport systems, in addition to shuttle vehicles.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), urban traffic is responsible for around 40% of climate-damaging emissions caused by global passenger transport. However, the number of city dwellers and their mobility needs will increase significantly in the coming decades. In addition to the accelerated electrification of urban traffic, intelligent mobility concepts are necessary so that cities can both help meet their climate targets and offer their inhabitants an attractive place to live.
One solution is autonomous passenger transport systems. In the run-up to the ITS World Congress (October 11-15 in Hamburg), ZF is now showing how this solution is becoming much more accessible and attractive for municipalities. In addition to the pure battery electrically powered, autonomously driving shuttle vehicles that the group has had in its portfolio since the acquisition of the company 2getthere in 2019, ZF now also offers all the services required for the planning, implementation, operation, maintenance and repair of an autonomous shuttle system, the company said.
Municipalities and urban mobility operators currently need many knowledge and resources to set up autonomous passenger transport systems. To address this issue, the company supports its project knowledge and its network.
Torsten Gollewski, Head of Autonomous Mobility Systems, ZF, said, “Our solution is available immediately and can make an immediate contribution to reducing local traffic-related emissions.”
The technology group supplies the shuttle systems, helps create the route layout, accompanies the installation and commissioning of the shuttle systems, and supports service and repair. The group also advises on fleet management software or connectivity solutions that ensure the connection to the traffic infrastructure - such as traffic lights and speed displays – and communication with passengers via apps.
“The current generation of shuttles is designed for operation in structurally separated lanes. For many cities, this application already means a relief of the crowded traffic situation. Routes can be designed in such a way that they optimally complement the existing public transport system,” Gollewski added.
Metropolises or medium-sized cities can also significantly improve their connection to nearby rural areas. Abandoned rail lines can be converted into autonomous shuttle routes – at significantly lower costs than would be incurred by building and activating electric rail vehicles.
With DB Regio, ZF has gained a partner that complements the concerns and plans of municipal transport companies or regional transport associations with autonomous shuttles.
Frank Klingenhöfer, Member of the Board of DB Regio Bus, said, “With ZF, DB Regio Bus has a strong technology partner at its side to strengthen public transport with electric, autonomous, and flexible shuttle buses. We are pursuing a common goal: to relieve the roads in metropolises, cities and communities and make local public transport emission-free.
The group said that further partnerships will be announced shortly regarding leasing and financing the vehicle fleets. With this new offering, ZF is further enhancing its leading global position in mobility technology, the company added.