The ULTIMO project continues to lead the integration of autonomous vehicles into Mobility as a Service across Europe and beyond. An intermediate report, published in September 2025 (available for download below), marks a key milestone in enhancing user experience, connectivity and operational efficiency through on demand, driverless mobility. The initiative brings together a set of MaaS based value added services, including accessibility tools, enhanced passenger interaction features and vehicle verification systems, that reinforce the seamless operation of autonomous mobility. By linking pilot sites in Geneva, Herford and Oslo, ULTIMO shows how varied strategies can advance a shared goal, an accessible, efficient and people centered urban mobility ecosystem.
Three Cities, Three Approaches to MaaS Integration
In Geneva, public transport operator TPG follows a gradual approach to integrating autonomous vehicles into the MaaS environment. Starting in the controlled area of Belle Idée, each phase is validated before expanding across Greater Geneva. The aim is seamless, on demand multimodal transport powered by autonomous vehicles. This steady rollout ensures innovation advances hand in hand with safety and reliability, building public trust.
Herford, led by Deutsche Bahn, takes a scalability approach, building on earlier initiatives such as the HEAL project in Bad Birnbach. The team is enhancing its “Wohin Du Willst” MaaS system with a new orchestrator that connects multiple autonomous vehicle services. This enables interoperability so different providers operate under one unified MaaS interface. The goal is a replicable model where backend systems remain invisible while ensuring a consistent user experience.
In Oslo, public transport authority Ruter has launched a Minimum Viable Product to introduce autonomous transport through a prototype MaaS app. This separates experimental services from commercial operations and allows early testing and user feedback without affecting existing passengers. Once stabilized, the service will merge with Ruter’s platform and demonstrate how autonomous on demand mobility can complement public transport.
Beyond Driving: Developing Value Added Services
While each city takes a different path, ULTIMO shares a commitment to high quality autonomous services that meet diverse transport needs. A key focus is developing value added functions that replace or enhance traditional on-board roles. The Accessible PUDO Database ensures pickup and drop off points are inclusive for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility. This work addresses a growing need in on demand mobility, where virtual stops increasingly replace traditional physical ones. Ensuring their accessibility is essential for users with motor, visual or hearing impairments, particularly when no operator is present on board. The database under development aims to standardise how virtual and physical stops are assessed so that passengers can be picked up and dropped off safely even when conditions change or a stop is temporarily unavailable. By creating a simple and maintainable structure, the first version of the database is intended to adapt to diverse user needs and support the planning of autonomous services across all pilot sites.
The “Two Way Communication Tool”, created by Swiss partner Mobile Thinking, enables passengers to contact remote supervisors via video or audio. It provides real time assistance that mirrors traditional in vehicle staff support and strengthens both safety and passenger confidence.
Complementing this is the Vehicle Identification System, which allows users to verify their vehicle through unique codes shown on the vehicle and in the app, with auditory confirmation for visually impaired passengers. Together, these features illustrate how MaaS services enhance trust, accessibility and communication in autonomous mobility.
A “Passenger Information System” is also being developed to keep travellers informed with arrival times, safety updates and intermodal connections. Beyond passenger-facing services, ULTIMO is also exploring how autonomous fleets can generate value outside of peak hours. In complement of all MaaS services deployed for passengers, a Logistics-as-a-Service (LaaS) service bundle leveraging off-peak fleet capacity from public transport operations is to be tested on the Geneva site to enable on-demand logistics missions (beyond passenger transport), while ensuring predictable availability, high utilization, and operational reliability for logistics operators. This aims to maximize shuttle utilization and revenue generation.
Towards a User Centric Automated Future
Together, these developments show how ULTIMO is redefining autonomous mobility in real urban contexts. By combining progressive deployment with a strong focus on accessibility and communication, the project addresses both the technical and social dimensions of automation. As pilot sites move toward fully driverless Level 4 operations, ULTIMO stands as a model for safe, inclusive and user focused integration of autonomous vehicles into MaaS.
Through collaboration and innovation, Geneva, Herford and Oslo demonstrate that the future of urban mobility is not only autonomous but also connected, inclusive and people centered. The final visuals highlight the functioning of these MaaS services across the pilot sites and include clear explanations that reinforce their role within the wider autonomous ecosystem.A more in depth summary is available for download here.
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