NEWS<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTo change language scroll down to bottom \/ Um die Sprache zu \u00e4ndern, scrollen Sie nach unten<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/seminar_sqr-1024x1024.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKnowledge sharing between projects works very well<\/strong><\/p>During a well-attended online high-level seminar on September 17, organized by project partner Landkreis Vechta, stakeholders from three other projects shared their vision on the opportunities and challenges of automated public transport (PT).
Participants came from Germany, the Netherlands, and France.<\/p>
Following a brief introduction from Vechta and lead partner V-Tron B.V., three experts from projects in Germany and the Netherlands gave an insightful presentation of their initiatives. The seminar was chaired by Lea Rocholl from project management agency Bax Innovation. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Read more Here <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe speakers were, in order:<\/p>
- Lukas Arndt<\/strong> from Steuern lenken bauen Projektsteuerung Region Hannover GmbH<\/strong> on the ALBUS project in the Hannover region, where public transport provider \u00dcSTRA Hannoversche Verkehrsbetriebe AG deploys autonomous buses;<\/li>
- Lars Meijer<\/strong> from the Province of Noord-Brabant<\/strong> on various projects in the province, including the autonomous bus at the Efteling theme park;<\/li>
- Dr. Lea Decker<\/strong> from New Mobility Solutions Hamburg GmbH<\/strong> on the public transport solutions chosen by the Hamburg region.<\/li><\/ul>
Many projects showed significant overlap, and the speakers made it clear that there are numerous similar projects across Europe that could also benefit greatly from a coordination structure.<\/p>
The presentations were followed by a Q&A session in which the exchange of experiences, visions, challenges, and solutions demonstrated the importance of this type of cross-pollination.<\/p>
For our FLEX project, this was certainly an activity where 1 + 1 = 3.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/albus-1024x768.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHannover<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Hamburg-bus-1024x768.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHamburg<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Efteling-bus.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEfteling<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/FLEX-foto-260910-5-1.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFLEX Partner Meeting focuses on close cooperation<\/strong><\/p>During the FLEX Interreg project partner meeting held on September 10 at HAN in Arnhem, a review of a successful first year was conducted. The meeting highlighted the strong cooperation, equal participation, and efficient team performance among all six partner organizations. <\/p>
Key successes and progress:<\/strong><\/p>- Vehicle development:<\/strong> The automated bus has been delivered to V-tron for conversion to drive-by-wire<\/em> and teleoperation<\/em>. For the pilot in Vechta, the drive-by-wire<\/em> system (steering, braking, acceleration) has already been fully completed. Cooperation with bus operator Schomaker Reisen is proceeding very smoothly. <\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t Read more Here <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t- Innovation & Digital Twin:<\/strong> HAN has realized an impressive VR Digital Twin model in less than a month. This includes detailed simulation environments and working pilots for Groningen, Vechta, and Helmond. <\/li>
- Passenger Acceptance & Research:<\/strong> Research into passenger acceptance is progressing excellently, with successful focus groups and completed guidelines. Among other findings, it was shown that passengers have confidence in human supervision from a distance (remote supervisors<\/em>). <\/li>
- Knowledge Sharing:<\/strong> The project has already generated positive visibility through presentations in Koblenz and the publication of a mobility article.<\/li>
- Ecosystem:<\/strong> FLEX is actively strengthening its strategic position by seeking alignment and cooperation with numerous relevant initiatives at the Dutch, German, and European levels.<\/li><\/ul>
Despite practical challenges such as administrative uncertainties and shortages in the hardware supply chain, the project remains well on track, and concrete steps are being taken towards the rollout of automated public transport.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/FLEX-foto-260910-1-1024x683.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/FLEX-foto-260910-3-1024x683.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/FLEX-foto-260910-2.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Gemini_Generated_Image_wp83sewp83sewp83.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow can public transport remain future-proof in the face of rising costs and staff shortages?<\/strong><\/p>Following the presentation by Daniel Wubbold of Landkreis Vechta during the Deutscher Nahverkehrstag at the end of June 2026, our project partner was invited by the trade journal NahverkehrsPraxis to submit an article. Larisa Syla-Rrapi<\/a>, a colleague of Daniel, therefore provided the attached overview of our Interreg project, which offers a good summary of the process to date.<\/p>The German-Dutch FLEX project investigates how teleoperation and depot automation (such as autonomous maneuvering and charging) can take over routine tasks from bus drivers. Using a ‘digital twin’ and pilots in the Vechta region, work is being done to achieve more efficient and smarter regional transport.
Interested in the initial results and insights? View the full article in the attachment! <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Read more Here <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Nahverkehr-1.jpg\")
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Nahverkehr-3-1.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/focus-groep-1024x1024.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tParticipation of public transport users in focus groups to improve interviews<\/strong><\/p>Within the FLEX project<\/a> – flexible, accessible and affordable public transport using tele-operation and CCAM – in-depth research is also being conducted into the opinions and expectations of future users.<\/p>The Private University of Applied Sciences (PHWT<\/a>) in Vechta is taking the lead in this work package.<\/p>Focus groups are planned in Vechta (July 21, ’26), Helmond (July 22, ’26), and Groningen (August 25, ’26) to gain a clear picture of public transport users’ current knowledge regarding automated transport. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Read more Here <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSmall groups of users – approximately 5 participants – are asked about their vision, experiences, and expectations in a very open discussion.
In Vechta (D), PHWT researchers conduct the discussions, while in Helmond and Groningen, due to the language barrier, an employee from partner V-tron<\/a> acts as the moderator.
Based on the results of these focus groups, PHWT will develop interviews and surveys to question a much larger group of (potential) public transport users.
The knowledge gained from the focus groups ensures appropriate language use and questions that build upon existing knowledge and experience.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/landkreis-vechta-logo-neu.png\")
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/600_Provincie-Groningen_horizontaal-basis-1024x243-1.png\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Designer49.png\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFLEX project accelerates with international cooperation and concrete milestones<\/strong><\/p>The European FLEX project is taking significant steps towards the implementation of automated transport. During the conference call on June 17, 2026, partners from various regions discussed progress, cooperation, and upcoming activities. <\/p>
A key development is the exploration of so-called cross-border testbeds, a joint testing initiative between Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Flanders. Additionally, mention was made of a potential large-scale project from Brussels with a budget of \u20ac100 million. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Read more Here <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccording to project coordinator Wim Vossebelt of V-tron, this supports the consortium’s ambition: \u201cWe see that cross-border cooperation is essential to test and implement autonomous mobility at scale.\u201d<\/em><\/p>Within the various partner regions (Groningen, Helmond, Vechta), work on implementation is in full swing. In Groningen, the tender for a technical supplier is nearing completion, with publication before the summer and implementation starting in November. The Groningen team explains: \u201cWith this planning, we are taking an important step from preparation to actual realization.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>Helmond is also working on a tender and will soon start passenger research. \u201cWe don’t just want to develop the technology, but above all understand what users need and expect,\u201d<\/em> says a project leader from Helmond.<\/p>In Vechta, alongside the technical implementation at Schomaker Reisen, the focus is on organization and visibility. Vechta is taking the lead in organizing a high-level seminar. The consortium has asked Vechta to take the lead in the tender for project management. <\/p>
Research activities by PHWT show that trust and safety are crucial for the acceptance of autonomous mobility, alongside classic factors such as cost and reliability. One of the researchers puts it this way: \u201cAutonomy alone is not enough. Passengers expect the same quality and certainty as with traditional transport.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>Innovation is also driven by the HAN, where a detailed 3D digital twin has been developed using drones and open-source software. This digital environment enables analysis, simulation, and even teleoperation of vehicles. HAN: \u201cThe digital twin allows us to test scenarios safely and efficiently before they are rolled out in practice.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>The coming months will be characterized by further cooperation and execution. With a partner meeting in September and the next conference call on July 16, the project remains firmly on track to make a significant contribution to the future of sustainable, automated mobility in Europe. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Designer46.png\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPassenger acceptance crucial for the future of automated public transport<\/strong><\/p>The deployment of automated public transport (PT) offers opportunities for a more flexible, accessible, and affordable mobility system. However, its success depends heavily on one factor: passenger acceptance. This is according to a recent research report prepared within the international FLEX project. <\/p>
The report, conducted by PHWT (Private Hochschule f\u00fcr Wirtschaft und Technik)<\/a><\/span> and written by researchers Lennart Schilling and Daniel Westmattelmann, maps out the current state of knowledge regarding passenger acceptance of automated transport. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Read more Here <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe research is part of the Interreg VI A project FLEX (Promoting Flexible, Accessible, and Affordable Public Transport for Citizens in Border Regions)<\/em>, which runs from 2025 to 2028.<\/p>Three regions as a testing ground<\/strong><\/p>Within FLEX, three showcase locations are central: Vechta (Germany), Helmond, and the province of Groningen. These areas differ significantly in their mobility context\u2014from rural to urban and from regular public transport to WMO transport (Social Support Act)\u2014and together they form a valuable testing ground for the application of automated mobility. <\/p>
The report bundles insights from 55 practical projects and more than 130 scientific studies. Several clear trends emerge from this: <\/p>
- Trust and safety<\/strong> play a key role. Passengers want to understand how systems work and need to feel safe within the vehicle and its surroundings. <\/li>
- Service quality remains decisive<\/strong>. Factors such as travel time, price, reliability, and waiting time are at least as important as the level of automation. <\/li>
- First impressions aren’t everything<\/strong>. Pilots often show positive reactions, but it remains unclear whether these hold up during daily use. <\/li>
- Specific target groups require attention<\/strong>. In particular, the elderly and people with mobility impairments (such as within WMO transport in Helmond) are still underrepresented in existing research. <\/li><\/ul>
Many passengers rate their first ride in an automated shuttle as safe and interesting. At the same time, users point out areas for improvement, such as low speeds, limited availability, and the user-friendliness of booking systems. It also appears that use often stems from curiosity rather than a structural transport need. <\/p>
In addition, project partners identify practical barriers, such as complex regulations, technical limitations, and the need for on-board staff for supervision. Fully driverless systems remain the exception for the time being. <\/p>
Basis for follow-up research<\/strong><\/p>The report forms an important first step within the FLEX project. The insights will be used to set up follow-up research in the three regions, explicitly taking local differences into account. This includes surveys, field measurements, and comparative analyses between Vechta, Helmond, and Groningen. <\/p>
As such, the research forms a bridge between existing knowledge and concrete application. The coming years will reveal how automated transport develops from a promising pilot into a full-fledged part of daily public transport. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/graf1-PHWT.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDistribution of start years for the final project corpus<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
To change language scroll down to bottom \/ Um die Sprache zu \u00e4ndern, scrollen Sie nach unten<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/project-flex.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/seminar_sqr.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\tKnowledge sharing between projects works very well<\/strong><\/p> During a well-attended online high-level seminar on September 17, organized by project partner Landkreis Vechta, stakeholders from three other projects shared their vision on the opportunities and challenges of automated public transport (PT). Following a brief introduction from Vechta and lead partner V-Tron B.V., three experts from projects in Germany and the Netherlands gave an insightful presentation of their initiatives. The seminar was chaired by Lea Rocholl from project management agency Bax Innovation. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t The speakers were, in order:<\/p> Many projects showed significant overlap, and the speakers made it clear that there are numerous similar projects across Europe that could also benefit greatly from a coordination structure.<\/p> The presentations were followed by a Q&A session in which the exchange of experiences, visions, challenges, and solutions demonstrated the importance of this type of cross-pollination.<\/p> For our FLEX project, this was certainly an activity where 1 + 1 = 3.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t FLEX Partner Meeting focuses on close cooperation<\/strong><\/p> During the FLEX Interreg project partner meeting held on September 10 at HAN in Arnhem, a review of a successful first year was conducted. The meeting highlighted the strong cooperation, equal participation, and efficient team performance among all six partner organizations. <\/p> Key successes and progress:<\/strong><\/p> Despite practical challenges such as administrative uncertainties and shortages in the hardware supply chain, the project remains well on track, and concrete steps are being taken towards the rollout of automated public transport.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t How can public transport remain future-proof in the face of rising costs and staff shortages?<\/strong><\/p> Following the presentation by Daniel Wubbold of Landkreis Vechta during the Deutscher Nahverkehrstag at the end of June 2026, our project partner was invited by the trade journal NahverkehrsPraxis to submit an article. Larisa Syla-Rrapi<\/a>, a colleague of Daniel, therefore provided the attached overview of our Interreg project, which offers a good summary of the process to date.<\/p> The German-Dutch FLEX project investigates how teleoperation and depot automation (such as autonomous maneuvering and charging) can take over routine tasks from bus drivers. Using a ‘digital twin’ and pilots in the Vechta region, work is being done to achieve more efficient and smarter regional transport. Participation of public transport users in focus groups to improve interviews<\/strong><\/p> Within the FLEX project<\/a> – flexible, accessible and affordable public transport using tele-operation and CCAM – in-depth research is also being conducted into the opinions and expectations of future users.<\/p> The Private University of Applied Sciences (PHWT<\/a>) in Vechta is taking the lead in this work package.<\/p> Focus groups are planned in Vechta (July 21, ’26), Helmond (July 22, ’26), and Groningen (August 25, ’26) to gain a clear picture of public transport users’ current knowledge regarding automated transport. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t Small groups of users – approximately 5 participants – are asked about their vision, experiences, and expectations in a very open discussion. FLEX project accelerates with international cooperation and concrete milestones<\/strong><\/p> The European FLEX project is taking significant steps towards the implementation of automated transport. During the conference call on June 17, 2026, partners from various regions discussed progress, cooperation, and upcoming activities. <\/p> A key development is the exploration of so-called cross-border testbeds, a joint testing initiative between Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Flanders. Additionally, mention was made of a potential large-scale project from Brussels with a budget of \u20ac100 million. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t According to project coordinator Wim Vossebelt of V-tron, this supports the consortium’s ambition: \u201cWe see that cross-border cooperation is essential to test and implement autonomous mobility at scale.\u201d<\/em><\/p> Within the various partner regions (Groningen, Helmond, Vechta), work on implementation is in full swing. In Groningen, the tender for a technical supplier is nearing completion, with publication before the summer and implementation starting in November. The Groningen team explains: \u201cWith this planning, we are taking an important step from preparation to actual realization.\u201d<\/em> <\/p> Helmond is also working on a tender and will soon start passenger research. \u201cWe don’t just want to develop the technology, but above all understand what users need and expect,\u201d<\/em> says a project leader from Helmond.<\/p> In Vechta, alongside the technical implementation at Schomaker Reisen, the focus is on organization and visibility. Vechta is taking the lead in organizing a high-level seminar. The consortium has asked Vechta to take the lead in the tender for project management. <\/p> Research activities by PHWT show that trust and safety are crucial for the acceptance of autonomous mobility, alongside classic factors such as cost and reliability. One of the researchers puts it this way: \u201cAutonomy alone is not enough. Passengers expect the same quality and certainty as with traditional transport.\u201d<\/em> <\/p> Innovation is also driven by the HAN, where a detailed 3D digital twin has been developed using drones and open-source software. This digital environment enables analysis, simulation, and even teleoperation of vehicles. HAN: \u201cThe digital twin allows us to test scenarios safely and efficiently before they are rolled out in practice.\u201d<\/em> <\/p> The coming months will be characterized by further cooperation and execution. With a partner meeting in September and the next conference call on July 16, the project remains firmly on track to make a significant contribution to the future of sustainable, automated mobility in Europe. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t Passenger acceptance crucial for the future of automated public transport<\/strong><\/p> The deployment of automated public transport (PT) offers opportunities for a more flexible, accessible, and affordable mobility system. However, its success depends heavily on one factor: passenger acceptance. This is according to a recent research report prepared within the international FLEX project. <\/p> The report, conducted by PHWT (Private Hochschule f\u00fcr Wirtschaft und Technik)<\/a><\/span> and written by researchers Lennart Schilling and Daniel Westmattelmann, maps out the current state of knowledge regarding passenger acceptance of automated transport. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t The research is part of the Interreg VI A project FLEX (Promoting Flexible, Accessible, and Affordable Public Transport for Citizens in Border Regions)<\/em>, which runs from 2025 to 2028.<\/p> Three regions as a testing ground<\/strong><\/p> Within FLEX, three showcase locations are central: Vechta (Germany), Helmond, and the province of Groningen. These areas differ significantly in their mobility context\u2014from rural to urban and from regular public transport to WMO transport (Social Support Act)\u2014and together they form a valuable testing ground for the application of automated mobility. <\/p> The report bundles insights from 55 practical projects and more than 130 scientific studies. Several clear trends emerge from this: <\/p> Many passengers rate their first ride in an automated shuttle as safe and interesting. At the same time, users point out areas for improvement, such as low speeds, limited availability, and the user-friendliness of booking systems. It also appears that use often stems from curiosity rather than a structural transport need. <\/p> In addition, project partners identify practical barriers, such as complex regulations, technical limitations, and the need for on-board staff for supervision. Fully driverless systems remain the exception for the time being. <\/p> Basis for follow-up research<\/strong><\/p> The report forms an important first step within the FLEX project. The insights will be used to set up follow-up research in the three regions, explicitly taking local differences into account. This includes surveys, field measurements, and comparative analyses between Vechta, Helmond, and Groningen. <\/p> As such, the research forms a bridge between existing knowledge and concrete application. The coming years will reveal how automated transport develops from a promising pilot into a full-fledged part of daily public transport. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
Participants came from Germany, the Netherlands, and France.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Interested in the initial results and insights? View the full article in the attachment! <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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In Vechta (D), PHWT researchers conduct the discussions, while in Helmond and Groningen, due to the language barrier, an employee from partner V-tron<\/a> acts as the moderator.
Based on the results of these focus groups, PHWT will develop interviews and surveys to question a much larger group of (potential) public transport users.
The knowledge gained from the focus groups ensures appropriate language use and questions that build upon existing knowledge and experience.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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