A strategic guide to AV service models, governance and deployment pathways for European public transport.
This study is intended to support European public transport authorities and operators (PTAs/PTOs) as autonomous vehicle deployment moves from isolated pilots towards real service, policy and procurement decisions.
For European public transport, the central question is no longer simply whether the technology works, but how autonomous mobility should be governed, integrated and scaled in ways that support public transport objectives such as accessibility, network efficiency, coverage, affordability and sustainability.
By examining where AV deployment has moved beyond experimentation into repeatable public-facing service, the study identifies the governance choices, service models, procurement implications and regulatory conditions that matter most for European PT actors.
Its purpose is to help PTAs and PTOs make more informed decisions about the role AVs could play in their future networks, and under which institutional, operational and commercial conditions.
The aim of this survey is to measure public awareness and attitudes towards connected and automated driving considering their role in the European strategy to improve road transport in terms of safety and efficiency as also laid down in the recent European Green Deal, and the 2018 Communication on connected and automated mobility. In this light, this survey seeks EU citizens’ views on automated and connected vehicles and sheds light on how comfortable they would feel with such vehicles as part of their daily lives.
The survey’s objectives are to: * Assess EU citizens’ awareness of automated vehicles and their experience with automated or semi-automated driving functions * Measure attitudes towards driving in or interacting with automated vehicles on the road * Evaluate citizens’ willingness to purchase and use automated vehicles * Determine what citizens expect with regard to automated vehicles.
This survey was carried out by the Kantar network in the 28 Member States of the EU, between 11 and 29 September 2019. A total of 27,565 respondents from different social and demographic groups were interviewed face to face, at home, in their mother tongue. The survey was carried out on behalf of the European Commission’s Joint Research Center. The Methodology used is that of Eurobarmeter surveys as carried out by the Dictorate-General for Communication (“media monitoring and Eurobarmeter”). At the time of fieldwork, the UK was still a member of the EU, and therefore the UK results are included in the report.
Overall, the results suggest respondents are not yet ready to fully adopt connected and automated vehicles. If connected and automated vehicles are set to play an important role to achieve the European policy objectives in the transport field, efforts will be needed to raise awareness of the options and their implications, and to engage citizens and build their trust with respect to this innovative type of technology
This is a report based on the synthesis of insights gained from a global open foresight project exploring the future of autonomous vehicles that was undertaken throughout 2019 and early 2020. It combines an analysis of existing research with opinion gained from multiple interviews and discussions that have taken place over the past year or so in Shanghai, London, Tokyo, Gothenburg, Austin and Toronto plus a series workshops held in Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Singapore, Wellington, Melbourne, Dubai, Singapore (at the global ITS World Congress event) and, finally, as a finale in Silicon Valley. The authors have done their best to accurately reflect the views they heard and the context in which they were expressed.
It is clear that, across the various markets, there are areas of alignment on some issues – but also notable nuances in approach to AVs that are different, country to country. From all discussions, nine key issues are emerging as significant – all of which are intricately inter-connected and collectively do indeed amount to a highly ‘wicked’ problem:
1. Fleets are now driving progress: In terms of the dominant business models, momentum is clearly behind both robo-taxis and truck fleets.
2. Automated trucks are coming: Freight has much to gain in terms of efficiency; this has regulatory momentum and wide industry support.
3. Safety is a pre-requisite: Expectations are high, but as many advances are already in process, improvements look likely.
4. Congestion is a conundrum: While the aim is for less congestion and the role of connectivity is pivotal, user behaviour and Transportation Network Company (TNC) strategies could initially mean more congestion.
5. Multiple options for the last mile: There are many alternatives in the mix, all bridging different needs and location gaps.
6. First vs widespread deployment: Where and why we see initial AV services may not necessarily align with where mass impact will occur.
7. Deeper collaboration will be needed: Moving from partnerships to long-term multi-party collaboration is seen as a critical enabler.
8. Technical standards may not be pivotal: Although comprehensive technical standards are advocated, they are not essential for AV; in some regions, safety standards will support regulation.
9. Regulators are influencing deployment: Proactive regulation is attracting companies, but the balance of light vs. heavy regulatory approaches may impact this.
The EU’s automotive sector enjoys a central place in Europe’s industrial landscape. It is the employer of millions of Europeans, often in highly skilled jobs and a major investor in research and development. The sector is one of the most competitive in the world and generates a substantial trade surplus for the EU. It is at a junction of many important EU policies including; competitiveness, research, energy, environment, transport, single market, etc. Today’s automotive industry is at a turning point: it must embrace the upcoming digital revolution, automated and connected driving, environmental challenges (such as climate goals), societal changes and growing globalisation.
In order to develop a co-ordinated and effective EU approach for the automotive industry in this changing landscape, the European Commission established the High Level Group (HLG) GEAR 2030 in October 2015. The group brought together Member States’ authorities and key stakeholders representing the industry, services, consumers and environmental protection and road safety. This Report sets out the HLG’s analysis of the situation and recommendations to address the main challenges and opportunities for the sector in the run-up to 2030 and beyond. It examines the developments in global competitiveness and changes in the value chain. In this context, given the profound impacts of the transformation on the entire value chain, the HLG decided to focus on connected and automated driving (CAD) and on zero emissions and zero emissions-capable vehicles (ZEVs and ZECs). However, the HLG also recognises that cleaner internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will have an important role in the on-going transformation of the sector. They will be especially important in the case of heavy duty vehicles to help their transition to low and zero emission technologies.
The automotive industry is a core engine of European prosperity and an essential part of Europe’s identity. European manufacturers have been global leaders since the invention of the automobile, producing iconic brands that set high benchmarks in innovation and excellence. Today, the sector accounts for €1 trillion in GDP, a third of private research and development investment in the EU and it provides direct and indirect employment to 13 million Europeans. For commercial vehicles, European truck makers account for more than 40% of the world market.1 The European automotive industry leadership commands admiration from the world over.
Currently, the sector is undergoing a structural transformation of unprecedented speed and magnitude. The shift to clean mobility is accelerating. In 2024, already one out of five cars sold globally was electric. At the same time, the rapid integration of digital technologies, such as AI, software, sensing and communication devices, together with the increasing importance of digital services and connectivity, are shaking up the sector. It is imperative that the European automotive industry not only navigates, but also shapes the transition to zero-emission, connected and increasingly automated vehicles.
While facing this transition, our automotive industry is also confronted with serious competitiveness challenges. It faces global supply chain risks and dependencies on raw materials and battery imports, a still too large reliance on fossil fuels, fierce competition for talent, cost gaps in key inputs, and an increasingly volatile geopolitical context. European companies risk falling behind on key strategic technologies such as batteries, software, infotainment systems, and autonomous driving, and often have less direct control over many raw material inputs, while overseas competitors are often supported by assertive industrial strategies and receive State support in various forms. This is a pivotal moment for the European automotive industry – decisive action is needed, and the European Union (EU) is committed to support the sector in its transition.
That is the purpose of this Action Plan, which builds on the Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal and – in recent weeks – a wide series of consultations, led by the President of the Commission and several Commission members, in which more than 100 organisations actively participated.2 It sets out concrete measures to help secure global competitiveness of the European automotive industry and maintain a strong European production base through action in five key areas: 1) innovation and digitalisation, 2) clean mobility, 3) competitiveness and supply chain resilience, 4) skills and social dimension, and 5) level playing field and business environment.
The automotive industry is a core engine of European prosperity and an essential part of Europe’s identity. European manufacturers have been global leaders since the invention of the automobile, producing iconic brands that set high benchmarks in innovation and excellence. Today, the sector accounts for €1 trillion in GDP, a third of private research and development investment in the EU and it provides direct and indirect employment to 13 million Europeans. For commercial vehicles, European truck makers account for more than 40% of the world market.1 The European automotive industry leadership commands admiration from the world over. Currently, the sector is undergoing a structural transformation of unprecedented speed and magnitude. The shift to clean mobility is accelerating. In 2024, already one out of five cars sold globally was electric. At the same time, the rapid integration of digital technologies, such as AI, software, sensing and communication devices, together with the increasing importance of digital services and connectivity, are shaking up the sector. It is imperative that the European automotive industry not only navigates, but also shapes the transition to zero-emission, connected and increasingly automated vehicles. While facing this transition, our automotive industry is also confronted with serious competitiveness challenges. It faces global supply chain risks and dependencies on raw materials and battery imports, a still too large reliance on fossil fuels, fierce competition for talent, cost gaps in key inputs, and an increasingly volatile geopolitical context. European companies risk falling behind on key strategic technologies such as batteries, software, infotainment systems, and autonomous driving, and often have less direct control over many raw material inputs, while overseas competitors are often supported by assertive industrial strategies and receive State support in various forms. This is a pivotal moment for the European automotive industry – decisive action is needed, and the European Union (EU) is committed to support the sector in its transition. That is the purpose of this Action Plan, which builds on the Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal and – in recent weeks – a wide series of consultations, led by the President of the Commission and several Commission members, in which more than 100 organisations actively participated.2 It sets out concrete measures to help secure global competitiveness of the European automotive industry and maintain a strong European production base through action in five key areas: 1) innovation and digitalisation, 2) clean mobility, 3) competitiveness and supply chain resilience, 4) skills and social dimension, and 5) level playing field and business environment.
US DOT has long been a leader in research, development, and evaluation of technologies for transportation and strong supporter of adoption and use of new and innovative technologies—known as intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Through the leadership of the ITS Joint Program Office (JPO) and modal partners, the U.S. DOT has conducted and sponsored pioneering research and development in technology (RD&T) as well as evaluation of each next generation of ITS. These efforts have enhanced the safety, efficiency, and accessibility of surface transportation for almost three decades—resulting in lives saved, improved access and mobility, and increased economic productivity. This document serves as the ITS JPO’s strategic plan for 2020 through 2025. The plan describes the vision, mission, strategies, and research goals that will guide the ITS JPO in meeting key RD&T priorities for the Department, as described in the U.S. DOT’s Strategic Plan, 2018-2022¹ and the corresponding RD&T Strategic Plan. These Departmental documents provide the basis for the primary direction of ITS research activities. The Strategic Plan 2020 – 2025 offers greater detail and transparency about the role of the ITS JPO in RD&T within the Department.
Vision Accelerate the use of ITS to transform the way society moves.
Mission The ITS JPO leads collaborative and innovative research, development, and implementation of intelligent transportation systems to improve the safety and mobility of people and goods.
To fulfil its mission, the ITS JPO employs a focused set of strategies to lead collaborative research, development, and implementation across U.S. DOT modal administrations and with the private and public sectors. These strategies create a framework (see figure below) in which the ITS JPO can identify and suggest technologies to transform transportation systems for the public good.
The Joint Declaration of Intent on the Creation of a Cross-Border Testbed for the Deployment of Automated Vehicles (signed in Luxembourg on 8 June 2026) outlines a coordinated European initiative to accelerate the deployment of automated vehicles (AVs) through large-scale, cross-border collaboration among multiple EU Member States. The initiative aims to unlock the benefits of automated mobility—enhanced road safety, improved accessibility, sustainable transport solutions, and economic growth—while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty in the global AV sector.
Central to the declaration is the establishment of a shared testbed environment where participating countries align regulatory, technical, and operational practices. The signatories commit to harmonising approval procedures for automated vehicles based on existing EU and international regulatory frameworks, while promoting mutual recognition of vehicle approvals across borders. This approach is designed to enable continuous cross-border operations and accelerate market readiness through phased deployment, beginning with limited-scale implementations and expanding toward integrated mobility systems.
The declaration emphasises cooperation in the approval and oversight of automated driving systems, including shared interpretation of technical requirements, coordinated testing procedures, and joint safety monitoring through in-service data collection and reporting. While maintaining national authority over legal deployment decisions, participating states seek to establish compatible regulatory environments that facilitate seamless operation of AVs on public roads.
A system-level, use-case-oriented approach is adopted to guide implementation. Stakeholders—including public authorities, industry actors, and research organisations—are encouraged to develop diverse mobility and logistics applications that address real-world needs. Rather than focusing on specific technologies, the initiative remains flexible and innovation-driven, supporting use cases that contribute to safety, sustainability, and accessibility. The development of such use cases is linked to technological maturity, digital infrastructure readiness, and integrated mobility service design.
The declaration also defines roles and responsibilities across governance levels. National governments, regional authorities, and local entities collaborate to identify mobility needs and implement scalable solutions, while industry participation is actively encouraged to foster innovation and economic value creation within the EU. Strategic emphasis is placed on strengthening European industrial capacity, including preferences for EU-based technologies, data sovereignty, and secure supply chains, while still allowing participation from non-EU partners under conditions that reinforce European interests.
Governance mechanisms include coordinated workstreams, transparency with the European Commission, and structured collaboration among stakeholders. The declaration is non-binding but serves as a strategic framework for ongoing cooperation and policy alignment. Overall, it represents a significant step toward creating a unified European ecosystem for automated mobility, facilitating the transition from pilot testing to widespread deployment across national borders.
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