Project Overview
The NoWeL4 project (Nord-Westraum Level 4) is run by the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and tests autonomous shuttles in north-west Berlin. The BVG describes it as preparation for a citywide rollout. The first VW ID. Buzz AD vehicles, equipped with Level 4 technology, are now on public roads. The text says the pilot is paving the way for the ramp-up of Germany's largest fleet of autonomous vehicles within the public transport system, with results scalable to five-digit vehicle numbers and a wider area.
Funding and Context
The Federal Ministry of Transport funds the project with a total of €9.5 million under the 'Autonomous and Connected Driving in Public Transport' funding guideline. The stated aim is to combine traditional local transport with flexible, autonomous services, providing the initial impulse for a tailor-made mobility offering for Berliners.
Scope and Test Area
- Five vehicles will carry passengers in a test area of approximately 15 square kilometres.
- The area covers parts of Spandau, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and Reinickendorf.
- The vehicles will serve around 80 bus stops and virtual stops as required.
- The text states that the test area on public roads is many times larger than in previous BVG projects.
Vehicles and Safety
The five fully electric VW ID. Buzz AD minibuses carry 13 cameras, 9 LiDAR and 5 radar sensors, which the text says provide a 360-degree view and enable safe driving in all weather conditions. The vehicles are Level 4 capable, but during the test phase a trained safety driver is always on board to monitor the technology and intervene in an emergency. A project control centre also monitors the vehicles remotely.
Timeline
- 2023–2025: preliminary planning and preparation.
- Autumn 2025: test and survey journeys without passengers.
- First half of 2026: test operation with closed passenger groups.
- From 2027: approval phase, with the test phase ending in 2027.
- Afterwards: rollout phase for permanent deployment. Roll-out depends on series approval for the fleet operation of Level 4 vehicles by the relevant federal and Berlin state authorities.
Booking and Operation
The shuttles run on demand rather than to a timetable. Bookings are made through an app that shows the nearest stop and guides users to their destination. Operating hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participation in trial operation is possible from 2026 after a successful application, and use is free of charge for test participants.
Accessibility and Research
The vehicles currently in test operation are not accessible, but developing accessible solutions is a declared goal for later regular operation. A scientific institute accompanies the project and is investigating, with people with disabilities and their association representatives, how everyone can benefit from this form of mobility.
Why It Matters for Berlin's Local Transport Users
The project sets out to shape a new mobility system that caters to the personal needs of people living in Berlin. It invites interested residents to apply as test participants and help shape the future of local transport. Details of the application process will be published in due course.