Gliwice, Poland / Oslo, Norway – 30 October 2025.
Autonomous Systems, a European technology company developing autonomous mobility solutions for cities and transit operators, has joined the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) as a new member and contributor to the global dialogue on automated mobility.
As part of this collaboration, Jan Gramatyka, Co-CEO of Autonomous Systems, will participate as an expert speaker at the UITP Academy training on “Automated Mobility in Public Transport”, hosted by Ruter As in Oslo from 11–13 November 2025. His session, titled “Depot Autonomy: the first real deployment of autonomous buses”, will explore how operators can introduce autonomy step by step – starting in bus depots before moving onto public roads.
“Automation in public transport must begin where it is both achievable and valuable today – in the depot,” says Jan Gramatyka. “By automating everyday processes such as parking, charging, and washing, operators can gain immediate operational benefits while building the expertise needed for future on-road autonomy.”
From Demonstrations to Deployments
The first generation of smartbuses – buses capable of autonomous operation in depot environments – marks a turning point for transport automation. Depots offer a controlled, repeatable setting where vehicles perform the same daily routines: parking, washing, charging, and repositioning. These processes can be automated safely and efficiently, providing measurable improvements to daily operations.
Bus depot automation helps address the ongoing shortage of drivers, enhances safety, and contributes to better working conditions by reducing repetitive manoeuvring tasks and allowing drivers to focus on passenger service. In a challenging labour market, this approach supports driver retention and smoother day-to-day operations. Starting with smartbuses in depots is the most achievable and responsible path toward large-scale automated mobility in cities.
A New Chapter in Automated Mobility
By joining UITP, Autonomous Systems becomes part of a global network of cities, operators, and industry leaders committed to shaping the responsible introduction of autonomous and connected vehicles into urban transport systems. The company’s expertise in bus depot automation and its vision for smartbuses bring a practical, implementation-oriented perspective to the UITP Automated Mobility Working Group – bridging the gap between research pilots and real-world operations.
“Driverless vehicles will only deliver real impact when they strengthen shared mobility,” adds Gramatyka. “Smartbuses show how automation can make urban transport safer, more efficient, and more sustainable – starting from the depot outward.”