Stadtwerke München (SWM), Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG), and Ingenieurgesellschaft für Auto und Verkehr (IAV) are testing autonomous on-demand vehicles on public roads in Munich for the first time. With this initiative, the project partners are taking an important step toward a more flexible and efficient public transit system.
Sinaida Cordes (SWM/MVG) and Matthias Erb (IAV) with one of the three project vehicles
In the Gern neighborhood of the Neuhausen-Nymphenburg district, test operations are beginning with three autonomous VW ID. Buzz vehicles as part of the MINGA research project – initially without passengers and with safety drivers on board.
Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Transportation: “Autonomous driving offers a great opportunity to rethink mobility. Autonomous vehicles can effectively complement public transportation services and connect people more effectively and flexibly. That is why we are supporting this forward-looking initiative in Munich’s public transit system with funding of approximately 13 million euros. The MINGA research project is now testing autonomous on-demand vehicles on public roads for the first time, thereby laying an important foundation for similar projects in Germany.”
Sinaida Cordes, authorized signatory at SWM/MVG: “With the start of the test drives, autonomous local transit is becoming visible on Munich’s streets for the first time. For us, this phase is crucial for bringing together technology, operations, and safety under real-world conditions and making them scalable for us. In this way, we are gaining important insights into how autonomous on-demand services can meaningfully complement existing public transit in the future.”
Matthias Erb, Chief Sales Officer at IAV: “The test operation on public roads is an important real-world test for our autonomous system solution. Real-world traffic conditions demonstrate how sensors, software, and the vehicle work together reliably. Together with SWM and MVG, we are bringing the technology step by step closer to its eventual deployment in public transit.”
Georg Dunkel, Mobility Advisor: “With the launch of this test operation – in which the City of Munich is playing a major financial role – we’re bringing two future technologies to the streets at once: autonomous transportation and on-demand mobility. I welcome the fact that this research project is taking place in an area where access has so far been characterized primarily by walking, cycling, and private vehicles. Here, we can test under real-world conditions how a flexible on-demand service meaningfully complements connections to the subway and makes the first and last mile more attractive. At the same time, we’re gaining important insights into how autonomous mobility can be safely and reliably integrated into public transit in the future. In this way, we’re laying the groundwork for innovative mobility solutions that will make public transit more efficient and even better tailored to the needs of Munich’s residents.”
From testing on company grounds to trials in city traffic
The test drives on public roads follow intensive preparations, technical integrations, and coordination with the relevant regulatory authorities. IAV has developed a high-tech shuttle based on a VW ID. Buzz, equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology and self-driving software. The vehicle can perceive its surroundings in detail, analyze traffic situations, and drive autonomously along defined routes. Throughout the entire test operation, safety personnel are on board to monitor operations and intervene at any time. The test operation is based on a test permit issued under the Ordinance on the Approval and Operation of Motor Vehicles with Autonomous Driving Functions (AFGBV), which SWM/MVG has held since mid-August 2026.
In addition to technical performance, the focus is on the requirements for future passenger service. These include, among other things, passenger information, interior design, safety concepts, and integration into MVG’s operations and control center. The findings from the test runs will be incorporated into the further development of autonomous public transit services for Munich.
A Gradual Approach to Passenger Service
In the first phase, the test operation focuses on the safe and stable deployment of the autonomous driving system on public roads. The vehicles will travel along predetermined routes within the test area and collect data on driving behavior, environmental perception, interaction with traffic, and operational stability.
Once operations are functioning safely and reliably, the service area will be expanded in a second phase, and the on-demand system from technology partner ioki will be integrated. The vehicles will then receive their routes based on short-notice ride requests, which the autonomous system will subsequently carry out. The software ensures that passengers can book their rides via an app and enables the bundling of multiple trips in a single vehicle, as well as the deployment of vehicles exactly where they are needed at any given moment. During the test phase, the necessary interfaces, data flows, and operational processes between the ioki platform and the vehicles will be tested step by step.
Following successful integration and completion of the necessary coordination, a later phase of the project will also include rides for selected test users. Interested individuals can register in advance at mvg.de/minga-anmeldung to participate in the test and will be notified as soon as rides become available.
Notice to Road Users
These vehicles are clearly identifiable as research vehicles on public roads. They drive with foresight and defensively. Traffic laws and safety requirements take precedence at all times. There are no special rules of conduct for other road users. Since there may be occasional unusual – but always controlled – driving or braking maneuvers, it is advisable to always maintain a safe following distance from the test vehicle.
The test operation will take place in the area marked on the map in the Gern neighborhood
Focus on Autonomous Mobility: The MINGA Project
The MINGA research project – “Munich’s Automated Public Transit with Ridepooling, Solo Buses, and Bus Platoons” – is investigating how autonomous mobility services can be integrated into public transit in the future. Sixteen partners from government, research, business, and industry are collaborating under the leadership of the City of Munich’s Department of Mobility. In addition to the on-demand test operations, an autonomous route bus and a bus platoon are also scheduled to be tested under real-world conditions by mid-2027. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport with approximately 13 million euros.
Further information on the project is available on the dedicated web pages mvg.de/minga and muenchenunterwegs.de/minga.