ULTIMO: Europe’s Blueprint Project for Autonomous Public Transport

An Exciting and Visionary Time for European Public Transport

By Ulla Arent Henriksen and Christian Erikstrup, Voyagerr

If Europe wants public transport systems that truly serves everyone, it must look to the future. That means embracing new technologies — like self-driving vehicles and on-demand services — and rethinking how we design, plan, and deliver mobility.

Built for a Different Era

Much of Europe’s public transport was designed decades ago, when daily life followed a more predictable rhythm. People lived closer to city centres, worked 9-to-5 jobs, and relied on fixed bus routes, train schedules, and central hubs. These systems were reliable for their time—but they weren’t built for the way we live today.

Passenger Needs Have Changed

Today, many people work remotely, follow flexible schedules, and live further from traditional city centers. Smaller towns and rural areas are often left with limited or no public transport options. Meanwhile, Europe faces growing challenges: climate change, an ageing population, and rising demand for transport that is accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.

Time to Think Ahead

If Europe wants transport systems that truly meet people’s needs, it must be forward-thinking. That means integrating new technologies—like self-driving vehicles (AVs) and on-demand services—and reimagining how mobility is designed and delivered.

Public transport is no longer just about getting people from A to B. It needs to be smart, flexible, sustainable, and centered around passengers.

Project ULTIMO

Fortunately, we’re already building that future with innovative projects like ULTIMO. Funded by the Swiss Confederation and co-funded by the European Union, ULTIMO is helping to shape the future of shared mobility by setting out to deliver the first large-scale, economically viable, user-oriented AV public transport service in Europe.

This ambitious initiative is more than a series of tests —it’s a blueprint for what’s possible:

• • Shared, electric, autonomous rides
  • Affordable, on-demand service in underserved areas
  • Lower emissions, improved safety, and fewer cars on the road

A Holistic Vision for Autonomous Transport

ULTIMO is taking a holistic approach to integrating autonomous vehicles into cities.

It’s not just about the technology—it’s about designing a whole ecosystem that enables door-to-door, on-demand transport in a way that’s sustainable, inclusive, and accessible for all.

The Future Is Already Taking Shape

ULTIMO has now entered its deployment phase, with autonomous shuttles operating in three pilot locations:

• • Oslo, Norway
  • Herford, Germany
  • Geneva, Switzerland

In all sites, fleets of AVs will be integrated into existing public transport networks, aiming to further enhance mobility and logistics services in the area. In Oslo’s Groruddalen district, for example, electric autonomous shuttles have been running since February 2025.

The way people live, move, and define quality of life is changing. Public transport is no longer just about infrastructure — it’s about equity, climate action, innovation, and inclusion.

Projects like ULTIMO show the way to what’s possible when we start building for the future together.

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Led by Deutsche Bahn, ULTIMO project brings together 23 partners across eight European countries.

Voyagerr is one of the partners in the project. Our contribution focuses on automated dispatch standards and describing passenger journeys. If you have questions about these topics, you are welcome to contact Christian Erikstrup.