The City of Hamburg seeks to become the leading European pioneer of driverless public transport and to put vehicles into operation that drive fully autonomously," said Anjes Tjarks, Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition. "Driverless minibuses like the HOLON would allow us to make public transport more efficient and flexible, and more attractive for passengers." Up to 20 Holon shuttles are set to operate in Hamburg in the long term. The city is currently constructing a purpose-built depot in Barmbek.
Hamburg advancing driverless public transport - test operations in late summer
The first driverless Holon shuttle will hit roads across Hamburg in late summer, a press release said Tuesday (August 19, 2025). The minibus will be tested between Stadtpark, Elbe, Schlump and Wandsbek. The first selected passengers will be able to travel and use the on-demand service from 2026, according to Hamburger Hochbahn. The Holon urban offers space for 15 passengers, is barrier-free and travels at a maximum speed of 60 km/h.
Hamburg pioneering autonomous public transport
Autonomous driving for scheduled services
Apart from the driverless Holon minibuses, MOIA's autonomous ID Buzz AD vehicles are also on roads across Hamburg. Both systems are being tested as part of the ALIKE project for which the German government has provided €26 million in funds. The project adds flexible and driverless services to public transport in the long term. In our previous Future Hamburg Talk, Sascha Meyer, CEO of MOIA, gave insight into the project and explained its implications for public transport in future. Hochbahn also plans to use driverless vehicles in regular services after trials with smaller vehicles.
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