ÖBB Postbus is testing Otokar’s autonomous minibus in real-world operating conditions

ÖBB Postbus has chosen Otokar as its technology partner for a programme aimed at testing autonomous electric minibuses. The company, one of Austria’s most important transport operators, says it wants to play an active role in shaping this forward-looking technology. The primary aim of the pilot project now being launched is to gain experience, both for the manufacturer and for ÖBB Postbus, under real-world operating conditions.

The centrepiece of the initiative, a fully electric Otokar Autonomous e-Centro self-driving minibus, was presented to the public on 13 August at a press conference in Vienna, but it will only begin its trial service on 24 August in connection with the European Forum Alpbach 2026 (EFA26), an international political, economic and social conference held in Alpbach, Tyrol, where it is expected to operate throughout the event until 4 September. For safety reasons, a human bus driver will also be present on board during the initial phase, but later, according to plans, the autonomous e-Centro will enter scheduled service in fully autonomous mode in the small town of Wolfurt in the province of Vorarlberg, within the Campus Wolfurt industrial and business park.

The vehicle, which is equipped with Otokar’s in-house-developed software system, is capable of SAE Level 4 automated driving. In practice, this means that under certain conditions it is fundamentally able to handle all traffic situations independently and travel along a predefined route in fully autonomous mode without human intervention. However, current Austrian legislation requires a suitably trained human driver to be present on board at all times. The fully electric autonomous minibus can carry 32 passengers, while its low-entry passenger compartment and the ramp fitted at the double-leaf passenger door also make it easily accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

One example of Otokar’s autonomous minibus – whose road and test-track runs required for type approval were, incidentally, carried out in Hungary by TÜV Rheinland exactly one year ago – has already been operating in Madrid since last November, carrying passengers within Mercamadrid, Spain’s largest food distribution centre. According to the manufacturer, the experience gained there will also be used during the current test programme in Austria. The Austrian demonstration vehicle will operate on a defined route in Alpbach during the EFA26 forum. After the test runs there have been completed, the vehicle will continue its trial operation in the Campus Wolfurt industrial park, where it will provide a link between the premises of individual companies and the local S-Bahn railway station – essentially operating under conditions similar to those in Madrid. „For years, we have been investing significant sums in the development of autonomous mobility technologies, which will play a decisive role in the future of public transport. Today, we offer far more than an innovative vehicle: we provide a comprehensive, turnkey mobility solution built entirely on Otokar’s own engineering expertise and in-house-developed software, and validated according to the highest international standards”, said Kerem Erman, head of Otokar’s commercial vehicles division.

„Autonomous mobility is an important element of a more modern, safer and more efficient transport system, and at the same time a huge opportunity for Austria as a business and innovation location. I see particularly great potential in public transport. Autonomous buses can complement and expand existing services, for example on the first and last mile, in rural areas, and at times when operating conventional scheduled services runs into difficulties. Austria must not merely observe this development, but actively take part in shaping it, keep the added value within the country, and make Austrian expertise visible at international level”, said Peter Hanke, Austria’s federal minister, at the press conference presenting the vehicle.

Photos: ÖBB/Daniel Willinger