Plan for autonomous driving in Slovenia: held the 4th RSGM
Municipality of Ljutomer and Development agency Sinergija organised their fourth Regional Stakeholder Group Meeting on 23 January at the premises Municipality of Ljutomer.
Tadeja Horvat, project manager at the Development agency Sinergija, welcomed the participants and shared the good practices gathered within EMBRACER so far, with a special focus on the Exchange of Experience event held in Vilnius, Lithuania, in October 2024 and on the test of the autonomous bus the city carried out thanks to the Interreg Europe fundings. Participants learned more about the implementation of the pilot: both benefits and challenges.
The autonomous bus represents an innovative solution for urban transport, as it enables flexible and sustainable mobility that is particularly suitable for city centers and areas with special transport needs. In addition to improving accessibility for all population groups, especially the elderly and people with mobility impairments, the pilot also focused on improving safety and optimizing the costs of public transport.
The possibility to implement a similar pilot in Ljutomer was discussed. The preparation of a new integrated transport strategy is in full swing in Ljutomer, with several measures under discussion and approval, also including the introduction of an autonomous bus as an additional solution for connecting short routes within the municipality, in an attempt to modernize the public transport. Such a solution would make it easier to reach important points in the municipality, such as the health center, community, schools and stores. The inclusion of vulnerable groups who have problems with transportation was also highlighted, as the autonomous bus could act as a flexible on-demand system that would improve the quality of life of those who face limited mobility options.
In addition to the social aspect, the technological and infrastructural requirements that need to be taken into account when transferring the pilot project were also highlighted. Autonomous vehicles require advanced traffic signaling, connectivity with existing systems and support from the local community. Harmonization with national regulations and the establishment of clear rules for the safe operation of such a system would also be necessary.
All participants recognized the great EMBRACER potential for piloting autonomous driving in Slovenia. In addition to testing innovative solutions, the project could help to develop new sustainable mobility strategies that could serve as an example of best practice for other Slovenian municipalities and regions.