Soon, 100% Autonomous Shuttle Buses in Chateauroux

A French consortium will deploy fully autonomous minibuses in the city center of Châteauroux.

– This consortium, composed of six major mobility players – Alstom, EasyMile, Equans, Keolis, Renault Group, and StatInf – is preparing to launch a new level 4 automated, decarbonized public transportation service (without onboard operator).
– A fleet of 6-meter electric autonomous minibuses will join the public transport network of Châteauroux Métropole in 2026.
– Awarded the “Automated Road Mobility, Connected and Low Carbon Infrastructure” project under France 2030, this pilot project received support from the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Cohesion of Territories as well as Bpifrance.

This is the first deployment at this scale of a level 4 autonomous mobility service. The project, called Mach2, marks a decisive step in the development of automated public transport in France and more broadly in Europe. Operational from 2026 in downtown Châteauroux (Indre), the service will be integrated into the city’s “Horizon” bus network and operated by Keolis.

The consortium brings together French mobility leaders, each contributing in their area of expertise: Renault Group for the robotic electric minibus platform, EasyMile for autonomous driving system, StatInf for validating critical software components, Equans for the operation and passenger information support system, Alstom for connected safety infrastructure and communication protocols, and Keolis for operation and maintenance of these new public transport services. A technological and industrial breakthrough for a tailored service. This project addresses all aspects of autonomous mobility, allowing for a genuine public transport offering and strengthening France’s leadership in this future market: the developed vehicle will be significantly larger and faster than currently deployed autonomous shuttles.

A challenge to integrate into traffic

The project also tackles the complex issue of interactions with priority vehicles and the connection with infrastructure such as traffic lights. The supervision concept will be thoroughly redesigned to allow a single supervisor to control a fleet of vehicles and ensure the economic viability of this new type of transport. Finally, all these elements will demonstrate compliance with the strictest safety standards in France and Europe. Featuring a robust, reliable 6-meter Renault minibus, this deployment of a true autonomous public transport service showcases the expertise of the French mobility sector.

Compliant with public transport requirements, it will meet the safety and passenger satisfaction standards of both public and private stakeholders, as well as evolving job roles. Fully integrated into Châteauroux’s “Horizon” bus network, this service will complement the local public transport offer, making citizen mobility simpler, safer, and more sustainable. The project benefits from the official support of Châteauroux Métropole, the Indre department, the Ministry of the Interior, and the PFA (Automotive Platform), in addition to the support from the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Cohesion of Territories and Bpifrance. It demonstrates the relevance of this technology, including for medium-sized cities.