Speedier Journeys Ahead for Individuals: Faster Transportation Awaits Travelers - Faster Travel: Mansoori Promotes Speedier Arrivals for the Public
In Hesse, Germany, Transport Minister Kaweh Mansoori is spearheading a comprehensive mobility plan aimed at improving transportation and promoting sustainable innovations. The plan, which focuses on leveraging advanced technologies and eco-friendly solutions, promises to revolutionize the way people travel within the state.
One of the key initiatives under this plan is the introduction of Level 4 autonomous public shuttles. Hesse becomes the first German state to allow passengers on these autonomous vehicles, operated by software platforms from DB subsidiary ioki and Mobileye. The project, backed by Deutsche Bahn and the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund, operates six autonomous vehicles and aims to make public transport more attractive and accessible, particularly in suburban and rural areas. This initiative, supported by €2.2 million in funding from both the Federal Ministry for Transport and the State of Hesse, serves as a testbed for integrating autonomous systems into public transport networks.
Another significant initiative is the promotion of sustainable fuels through INERATEC's e-Fuel Production Plant, known as ERA ONE. This plant, located in Frankfurt, produces synthetic crude oil from biogenic CO₂ and green hydrogen, which is then refined into sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF), e-Diesel, and other products. The scalable modular design aims to significantly increase production by 2030, supporting regulatory requirements such as the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation. This initiative addresses decarbonization challenges in hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation and shipping.
The plan also includes reforms aimed at streamlining administrative processes. Heiko Duth, the president of the Hessian Mobil state authority, stated that perfect administrative acts cannot stop the decay of infrastructure and associated criticism from the population. To address this, the Ministry of Transport is working on a comprehensive reform of Hessian road traffic regulations, which includes planning acceleration, digitization, and simplification of financial support for municipal infrastructure and road construction projects.
The reform aims to increase the scope for decision-making and self-responsibility for municipalities, while reducing administrative effort. For instance, the application procedures for heavy transporters are to be accelerated in Hessen, and a digital construction site management system is planned to coordinate daily and long-term construction sites, reducing traffic inconvenience.
Moreover, the Ministry plans to dissolve the so-called bundling administrations to make vehicle licensing less bureaucratic. Permits from third countries allow driving in Germany as long as the driver does not have a residence here. However, if someone moves to Germany, their driver's license must be converted within six months. To facilitate this process, a digital "Quick Check" is intended to create clarity for immigrants and relieve driver's license offices.
André Kavai, the managing director of the Rhine-Main Transport Association, has been appointed as the new Hessian mobility commissioner. Better IT systems are to provide further relief in the hurdles for crane transport permits in Hessen. Additionally, a "Transport Package I" includes ten initiatives to simplify planning and approval processes in road construction.
Together, these initiatives showcase Mansoori’s commitment to future-oriented, sustainable mobility by expanding autonomous public transport and fostering innovative fuel technologies in Hesse. They emphasize accessibility, climate responsibility, and integration of cutting-edge technologies in the transport sector.
- In line with the Hesse mobility plan, the Ministry of Transport is considering vocational training programs focused on technology integration, aiming to equip workforces with the skills necessary to manage autonomous public shuttles and maintain innovative fuel production plants.
- To further bolster the community's commitment to sustainability, the plan also encourages fostering technological advancements in the realm of public transport, with a particular focus on streamlining administrative processes for implementing and managing cutting-edge solutions.
