On 16 June 2025, the ULTIMO project hosted a dedicated side event comprised of two panel discussions on the subject of “Overcoming deployment barriers for automated mobility in Europe” during the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Hamburg, Germany.
As the world’s largest gathering dedicated to public transport and urban mobility, the Summit brought together professionals from across the globe to share insights on the future of mobility. In this setting, the ULTIMO project presented new perspectives on the complexities of deploying automated services within public transport systems. Summaries of the two panel discussions can be found below.
Panel 1: What Are the Barriers Facing CCAM Deployers in Europe?
Panellists:
• Jeroen Beukers (Transports Publics Genevois, TPG)
• Guido di Pasquale (PAVE)
• Javier Guimera (Padam)
• Clémentine Barbier (Keolis)
The first panel examined the barriers that continue to hinder the deployment of CCAM in Europe. The discussion began with the limited availability of Level 4 technology and the resulting challenge of scaling it up. The panellists also pointed out the gaps in digital infrastructure and the heavy reliance on physical infrastructure, which in turn, yields high costs for maintenance and operations.
Funding was highlighted as another central concern, with significant investment required to move from pilot operations to viable, long-term business models. Regulatory fragmentation across EU member states complicates matters further, with Europe prioritising regulation while competitors in the United States and China move forward with technology first, regulating second. Concerns around public acceptance, including issues such as vandalism, as well as the shortage of trained safety drivers and remote operators, were also raised.
Although not all barriers carry the same weight, the panellists agreed that the lack of technological standardisation and regulatory harmonisation represent one of the most significant obstacles in Europe. They concluded that the value of autonomous vehicles lies not in the technology alone. Their integration into public transport networks as shared services – whether on-demand or in fixed-line operation, is essential to public acceptance and long term success.
Panel 2: How Do We Overcome the Barriers (to AV deployment) and on what Timeline?
Panellists:
• Jonas Wigger (MOIA)
• Thorsten Möginger (RMS)
• Emilie Blotière (Navya)
• Endre Anglevik (Ruter)
The second session turned towards solutions and the steps needed to move from pilots to large scale deployment. Overall, the panellists agreed on the importance of building a bridge between testing phases and commercial services as well as on improving the transfer of outcomes from projects to industry. Moreover, the panellists emphasised the need to simplify the authorisation and homologation processes, modernise procurement procedures, while creating an environment where cross-industry standards can flourish.
The financial side of CCAM deployment was also a central theme. Attracting private investors and making use of tools such as the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) could help support collaborative and scalable business models. One approach would be to start with smaller fleets of vehicles and increase their size over time. At the same time, a regional focus was recommended, with deployments carried out across different contexts such as rural, suburban, and urban areas, ensuring that the outcomes could be broadly applied.
Throughout the discussion, the panel stressed that Europe’s strength lies in its expertise in public transport. By making public transport the backbone of CCAM and embedding automated vehicles into existing mobility networks, Europe can build a coordinated regional strategy that leverages partnerships and ensures technology is deployed responsibly.
Why ULTIMO Matters
The discussions in Hamburg showed once again the importance of ULTIMO’s role in addressing these challenges. By exploring standards such as HD mapping, piloting scalable business models, and encouraging cooperation across industry and public stakeholders, the ULTIMO project provides practical pathways to overcome barriers.
The success of automated mobility in Europe will depend not only on the technology but also on how well it integrates into public transport systems. With its focus on shared, safe, and accessible mobility, the ULTIMO project demonstrates how automated vehicles can become an integral part of Europe’s sustainable transport future.