Hanke: "We’re bringing innovation to the streets" Austria launches next phase of automated mobility
Mobility Ministry creates expanded legal framework for Automated Driving. Top priority: Road safety and the mobility needs of Austrians.
Mobility Minister Peter Hanke is, together with Martin Russ, Managing Director of Austria Tech, setting the next steps for automated mobility in Austria. After twelve years of research funding with a total volume of 63.5 million euros, the Mobility Ministry is now initiating the transition to extended test operations to usher in the next phase for a road-safe regular operation in Austria. The aim of Mobility Minister Peter Hanke is to create a tangible added value in the mobility needs of Austrians and to ensure safe operations.
Automated mobility is also defined as a future field in the Industry Strategy 2035, which holds massive potential for domestic value creation and economic resilience. Austria’s location offers high competencies in the area of sensor technology as well as testing and measurement technology, making it all the more important to actively utilise and expand these strengths.
„We’re bringing innovation to the streets. Automated driving, in my view, is not a technical gimmick but makes a significant contribution to safe and future-oriented mobility. At the core of my vision are always the needs and added value for people. Therefore, it is crucial to involve people and build trust in the new technologies that we have so far only associated with science fiction. At the same time, it is our task to strengthen the strengths of our location and to tap into value creation potentials," said Mobility Minister Peter Hanke.
Automated driving as an added value for public transport in rural areas
The Mobility Ministry consciously pursues the approach of not only focusing automated driving on individual traffic and robotaxis but sees it particularly as an opportunity for public transport in rural areas. The already presented lead project ROBERTA specifically implements this claim: Fully automated buses for public operations that will be under supervision are to be tested in real line operations by 2030, with funding of around 3.5 million euros.
„The Mobility Ministry has been investing in this technology for twelve years. The time for mere testing in isolated environments is over. We are creating the conditions for this innovation to reach people concretely - in rural areas as well as in the city," emphasised Hanke.
Comprehensive test process until regular operation
The Mobility Ministry is now adapting the relevant legal matters to enable extended test operations. The legal framework for this is created by the amendment of the Automated Driving Ordinance along with an amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act (KFG): It enables driverless driving under supervision in public areas and thus lays the foundation for fleet operations and commercial applications in the test framework. Additionally, it includes the facilitation of automatic lane change manoeuvres on motorways and expressways in regular operation.
Based on the data and experiences gained within the scope of the insights from the extended test operations, the Mobility Ministry is working in parallel on the legal foundation for a safe, nationwide regular operation. The goal is to enact this legislation in the coming year.
In autumn 2026, Mobility Minister Hanke will convene a summit of all key stakeholders from business, research, and society to coordinate common roadmaps for further development. Moreover, it is planned to establish model regions in Austria this year. The tender for this will begin in autumn 2026. Hanke wants to give municipalities the opportunity to become pioneers for all of Austria. The selection process will take place until mid-2027, so that operations in model regions can start in 2028.
International standards and joint learnings are crucial
Austria will also sign the European Cross-Border Initiative for automated mobility in June 2026, actively shaping the European standards. The Mobility Ministry is in active exchange with the European member states to learn from each other and understand Automated Driving as a cross-border opportunity.