Fossil-free Autonomy; Public Transport for the future in rural and mountain areas
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Malung-Sälens kommun |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 895 000 |
| Project duration | January 2025 - December 2027 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Transport and mobility services - FFI |
| Call | Transport and mobility services - FFI – autumn 2024 |
Purpose and goal
The project aims to promote sustainable mobility development by exploring autonomous public transport solutions in rural areas and tourist destinations. Facing seasonal variations and increased mobility demands. The goal is to test innovative,long-term sustainable autonomous mobility services through self-driving bus trials in winter conditions. It also seeks to strengthen the tourism sector as a platform for changing travel behavior and contributing to sustainable development in Sälen and Idre.
Expected effects and result
The project creates knowledge about autonomous, fossil-free transportation on winter road conditions, something that has not previously been tested in a real environment. The will provide increased understanding among private and public actors in the transport sector. The results are expected to enable the introduction of fossil-free autonomous buses in destinations and promote sustainable mobility development. The tourism industry is in great need of transition due to increased travel.
Planned approach and implementation
The project´s preparations started already in December 2024, mainly with planning for the first six months. The team that will run the project according to AP 1 has been activated. The selection process for the vehicle has been started with expert support from Ecenea AB, Technical requirements specification is complete Preparations and contact with the Swedish Transport Agency for the upcoming permit application have been initiated. Kick-off for all involved parties is set to 250129.