Autonomous public bus by Karsan, named e-ATAK, set to commence passenger operations in Paris.

Karsan, a leading manufacturer of public transportation vehicles, is set to strengthen its presence in Europe with a significant collaboration with RATP. This partnership marks a new milestone for Karsan, contributing to the future of sustainable and smart mobility.

The Autonomous e-ATAK bus, a Level 4 autonomous vehicle, is set to commence passenger transport services in Paris from September 2025. This deployment is part of RATP's ongoing efforts to assess autonomous solutions in public transport.

The e-ATAK, an 8-metre vehicle, will run along a 4.5-kilometre route between Sucy-Bonneuil RER and Thiais-Carrefour de la Résistance. During an initial six-month period, the e-ATAK will operate in mixed traffic, with passengers on board.

The e-ATAK has been developed in collaboration with ADASTEC, and its autonomous functions are underpinned by ADASTEC's Level 4 software. Prior to launch, the e-ATAK is undergoing a series of static and dynamic assessments by UTAC, France's national vehicle testing and certification authority. These assessments are due to conclude at the end of August.

The results of the Paris trial may inform future decisions about the broader use of autonomous minibuses in urban transport. This deployment in Paris may particularly influence decisions about fixed-route services and lower-density areas.

Karsan's collaboration with RATP aligns with broader goals for low-emission, technology-enabled public mobility. With this cooperation, Karsan aims to reflect its technology and vision in steering Europe's mobility transformation.

The e-ATAK is not a newcomer to the field, having previously been deployed in cities including Stavanger (Norway), Prague, and Istanbul. The cooperation with RATP strengthens Karsan's presence in Europe, as the company continues to make strides in the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles.

The success of the Paris trial may pave the way for wider adoption of autonomous minibuses in urban transport, contributing to more sustainable and efficient mobility solutions for cities around the world.

Autonomous public bus by Karsan, named e-ATAK, set to commence passenger operations in Paris.