Austria prepares legal framework for autonomous buses

Austria is preparing regulations that would allow autonomous buses to operate in regular public transport, ORF reported. The legal framework is expected to be established in the autumn, with the first services planned from 2028.

A self-driving bus is currently being tested in Alpbach as part of the European Forum. A safety driver remains on board but intervenes only when necessary. The bus steers and signals by itself, although the driver sometimes has to take control at narrow points. If it cannot maintain the side clearances, it stops and asks the driver to continue.

The ÖBB railway company and its subsidiary Postbus plan to deploy self-driving buses in model regions across four Austrian states in the coming years. Such buses are currently permitted only on test routes.

Transport Minister Peter Hanke of the Social Democratic Party said officials were coordinating a regulation on automated driving and that he expected progress in the coming weeks.

ÖBB hopes the technology will improve connections and reduce costs, particularly in rural areas. Safety driver Thomas said he did not view the buses as a threat to his job, but rather as a potential relief. The bus will continue operating in Alpbach with him on board until Saturday before moving to a new test route in Vorarlberg.