From 3-4 June 2025, the Diversify-CCAM partnership took an exciting step forward during the second General Assembly meeting in Monheim am Rhein, Germany, hosted by Bahnen Monheim and co-organised with DLR.
This visit was not only a milestone for project coordination, but also a valuable opportunity to experience one of the pilot sites in action firsthand.
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The Monheim Pilot is one of the flagship demonstrations within the project, showcasing how Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM) services can be seamlessly integrated into a local public transport ecosystem. Monheim, known for its forward-thinking approach to urban mobility, operates a fleet of self-driving shuttles as part of its public transport network. These autonomous vehicles follow a fixed route, connecting key areas of the city including the central bus station "Monheim Mitte." The service is free of charge for Monheim residents via the "Monheim Pass," while standard public transport fares apply to other passengers.
This service is part of the city's broader efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive mobility. Diversify-CCAM builds upon this existing initiative by exploring how diverse user groups interact with and perceive the automated service - gathering insights into usability, acceptance, and societal needs.
Rather than developing new technical systems, the project focuses on how CCAM services like the Monheim shuttle can be deployed in user-centric, equitable, and context-sensitive ways. Through surveys, interviews, observations, and workshops, the project aims to build a comprehensive understanding of how people experience the Monheim pilot and what this reveals about broader societal readiness for automated mobility.
Importantly, the trip to Monheim also provided partners with an opportunity to engage directly with the real-world environment we are studying - observing how the pilot works, talking to users and operators, and better understanding the local context.
Reflecting on the experience, Victor Ferran (Bax Innovation) commented:
"Meeting everyone in Monheim was essential, allowing us to present and discuss the conceptual model and to discuss and set the scene for upcoming project tasks. Equally important was the opportunity to ride the automated shuttles, meaning we could understand firsthand the types of service that CCAM can offer - from user experience and accessibility to operational dynamics. This hands-on experience will really help us shape the project in a way that's practical, user-friendly, and relevant to real communities."
The next key milestone for the Diversify-CCAM project will be the Stakeholder Advisory Board meeting taking place in September in Rhodes, Greece, where external experts, city representatives, and mobility providers will come together to review findings, provide feedback, and help guide the project's work going forward. This meeting represents a vital opportunity to ensure that Diversify-CCAM's insights are relevant, actionable, and closely aligned with societal needs.
