Genehmigungsprozesse beim Einsatz von automatisierten Shuttle-Bussen im ÖPNV am Beispiel des Projektes TaBuLa in Lauenburg/Elbe

In the TaBuLa project, the acceptance, and possible uses of automated buses in local public transport systems were examined under real conditions with passengers and in mixed traffic with other road users. For this purpose, automated shuttle busses were operated in the technically highly demanding test environment in the town of Lauenburg/Elbe in the German Federate State of Schleswig-Holstein. For the implementation of this kind of vehicles, both legal regulations that apply to vehicles in general and regulations specifically defined for automated vehicles are relevant. A special need for action arises from the required licensing processes because a Vehicle Type Approval, as standard homologated vehicles get, is currently out of the question for automated shuttle buses. An individual vehicle approval according to § 21 StVZO in connection with a special permit according to § 70 StVZO is needed. Due to the lack of standardized administrative practice, there is an interest in presenting the necessary steps for individual use cases that have already been implemented. In this working paper, the steps in the approval process for the vehicle implemented during in the TaBuLa project are described: technical report, individual approval, and licensing. In addition, the driving license law, the permits according to PBefG and BOKraft, processes around infrastructural measures as well as the involvement of citizens and other stakeholders are described. This report is based on the experiences of the TaBuLa project made in the years of 2019 and 2020. Since there was no damage to third parties or property happening during the project period, it can be concluded that the approval procedures and requirements have contributed to a safe automated passenger operation. The aim of this documentation is to serve as lessons learned for similar projects and to encourage the discussion of the current processes and requirements. A central finding is that the constructive participation of the public administration as well as the commitment of all project participants are crucial for the success of the project. An urgent need for changes or regulation regarding road traffic law, licensing law, passenger transport law and insurance was identified. The creation of standardized procedures for the approval of automated vehicles and the further development of the technology are essential. Due to the current state of the legal situation and the technological maturity of automated vehicle systems, the options for regular bus services are still very limited.