Autonomous 12-meter electric bus tested with passengers in Munich
The MINGA research project has been underway in Munich since 2023. Managed by the Munich City Council’s Department of Mobility, the project is backed by approximately 13 million euros in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Transport. The project is now entering a new phase in which the public will have the opportunity to use autonomous mobility solutions. This includes on-demand autonomous vehicles based on the VW ID. Buzz, which have already been tested on public roads—though without passengers.
Another key component of MINGA is an autonomous electric bus based on the MAN Lion's City E model. Following a period of road testing, the vehicle began trial operations in Munich’s public traffic in early September. Equipped by partner Adastec with LiDAR, radar, cameras, and a satellite positioning system, the vehicle currently operates along line 178 between Petuelring and Freimanner Hölzl, though it is not yet in regular service. Instead, it follows its standard route, but without passengers on board.
Test users to join starting November 17.
Data relevant to the route for autonomous operation was gathered during initial test runs conducted by MAN, MVG, and SWM. The project has now reached a stage where the first test users can begin to participate. Starting November 17, passengers will have the chance to ride the autonomous electric bus from MAN between the Petuelring and Freimanner Hölzl districts in Munich. Test runs will take place from Monday to Friday.
"With these initial test runs, passengers can now experience our technology in everyday use. This is a vitally important step." In addition to ensuring safe and reliable technology, building user trust in autonomous vehicles is essential. The experience gained through the MINGA project will be directly applied to the development of future generations of vehicles and other applications. "As a German manufacturer of commercial vehicles, we are pleased to develop this technology in Europe and for Europe, and to carry out this project alongside such a professional consortium," says Dr. Frederik Zohm, Executive Board Member for Research and Development at MAN Truck & Bus.
The project has generated significant public interest, with over 2,000 pre-registrations to take a ride on the autonomous electric bus. User testing is expected to continue until June 2027. Throughout the entire project, a safety driver will be present on board, trained to take immediate control of the vehicle if necessary. Anyone visiting Munich who is interested in participating in a test ride can sign up at mvg.de/minga-anmeldung to be added to the list of interested participants.
New opportunities for public transport.
Munich’s Deputy Mayor, Mona Fuchs, stated the following: “In the future, autonomous buses will open up new opportunities for local public transport in Munich. The current situation—characterized by staff shortages and limited budgets—is placing significant pressure on daily operations. The implementation of this cutting-edge technology in one of Germany’s leading cities is a clear sign that Munich is positioning itself as a prominent hub for innovation.”
She further added: “It is especially important to me that the MINGA project pays due attention to accessibility and involves the passengers themselves. Their experiences and their perception of safety will certainly be decisive factors in how well this technology becomes integrated into people’s everyday lives.”
