Together with Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB), Leipzig’s public transport operator, and other partners from industry and academia, IAV is developing an integrated solution for driverless public transportation as part of the SIAS-ÖV project. The goal is to establish the technical, operational, and organizational framework needed to integrate SAE Level 4 vehicles into regular public transit operations in a way that is compliant with regulatory requirements, safe, reliable, and scalable.
The research and development project “SIAS-ÖV – Sächsische Initiative: Automatisierte Shuttle im ÖPNV – Technologieerforschung für hochautomatisierte kooperative Mobilitätssysteme” was launched in spring 2026 with the presentation of funding notices by Saxony’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Dirk Panter. The project aims to establish the technological and legal foundations for the deployment of driverless shuttle buses, paving the way for automated mobility services in public transportation.
On March 23, 2026, the grant notification for the “Saxon Initiative for Automated Shuttles in Public Transportation – SIAS-ÖV” was presented in Leipzig. © Saxon State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy, and Climate Protection
From Technology to an Integrated System
IAV is contributing its extensive expertise in autonomous driving, system integration, and production-ready vehicle development to the project. Together with its project partners, IAV is developing an automated and connected mobility solution based on an industrial Level 4 shuttle.
The focus extends beyond the autonomous driving function itself. A key factor is ensuring reliable interaction between vehicles, sensors, software, and the existing systems and processes of public transportation. The objective is to create an integrated solution that can be safely incorporated into Leipzig’s public transit system while also establishing the foundation for future scaling across Saxony.
Autonomous Shuttles as a Complement to Public Transit
Autonomous shuttles can help make public transportation more flexible and efficient. With driver shortages increasing and operating costs rising, solutions like these are becoming increasingly important. As a complement to existing services, autonomous shuttles offer significant potential for on-demand transportation and improved mobility options in suburban and rural areas.
By mid-2028, the SIAS-ÖV project is expected to deliver a functional prototype of the automated and connected mobility solution. The project results will then serve as a foundation for additional pilot applications and the subsequent scaling of automated shuttle services across Saxony.
Funding from the Free State of Saxony and the European Union
SIAS-ÖV is being implemented as part of the 2021-2027 ERDF/JTF technology funding program. The European Union and the Free State of Saxony are providing approximately €9.5 million in funding for the project.
Note: The project is co-financed with tax revenues based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament and by the European Union.
Press Contact
Nikolas Thorke
Communications & Marketing
Phone: +49 (0)152 225 268 15
Mail: presse@iav.de