Zaragoza is moving closer to rolling out its first autonomous city bus service on public streets, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transportation modernization effort. The vehicle operates without a human driver in routine conditions, though Avanza, the agency that oversees the city’s public transit, keeps a safety driver on standby as a precaution during early operations. The experience so far shows that steering intervention isn’t required during steady progress, underscoring the vehicle’s sophisticated autonomy and the city’s confidence in the system.
The current phase represents the second stage of Digizity, a landmark project tied to Perte’s largest initiative for electric and connected vehicles. The plan includes a one-month passenger pilot that begins this coming Friday, allowing residents to experience the new mode of travel firsthand. The autonomous bus is the ie-tram model built by Irizar, a renowned manufacturer. It measures 12 meters in length and integrates advanced embedded systems along with cutting-edge communication technologies such as 5G and Wifi 6.0, designed to ensure robust connectivity and real-time data exchange across the urban network.
The vehicle has been routed onto line 40 and is expected to operate around notable corridors such as Príncipe Felipe and San José Boulevard. Early demonstrations this week showed the bus navigating the cityscape, offering a glimpse into a future where smart transport blends seamlessly with daily life. Past tests conducted over the last several months laid the groundwork for this moment, part of a broader project aimed at automating, decarbonizing, and digitalizing urban mobility.
The initiative brings together a consortium of collaborators to advance the technology and its deployment. Five additional companies participate alongside Irizar, including Jema, Hispacold, Telnet, and Idneo. The project also engages three technology centers—Itainnova in Aragon, CTAG in Galicia, and Tecnalia in the Basque Country—plus a consulting firm, Novadays. Avanza is the managing entity, coordinating the day-to-day execution while ensuring that technical milestones align with safety and regulatory standards. The Zaragoza City Council contributes through its Mobility area, helping to synchronize policy, infrastructure, and public acceptance with the rollout plan. This collaborative framework demonstrates how regional and local actors can rally around a shared objective: a cleaner, more efficient urban transport system that’s capable of integrating with other modes of mobility and data-driven services.
In parallel with the bus trial, local officials are opening opportunities for residents to engage with the city’s evolving transport landscape. A new program invites people to book experiences aboard a day-long autonomous transit ride, offering a hands-on way to understand how the technology functions, the benefits it can deliver, and the practical considerations involved in shared, nearby travel. The initiative is designed to be accessible and informative, helping to build public trust and curiosity about future mobility options while supporting the broader goals of sustainability and digital innovation in urban life.
From a broader perspective, the Zaragoza project aligns with regional and national strategies that emphasize decarbonization, electrification, and the intelligent use of data in city planning. By integrating advanced sensors, reliable communications, and a resilient onboard computer system, the ie-tram aims to demonstrate that autonomous public transit can operate safely within busy urban environments, deliver a consistent passenger experience, and reduce emissions over time. The collaboration across manufacturers, research centers, and municipal leadership illustrates a path forward for other cities seeking to experiment with autonomous fleets in a controlled, transparent manner. The effort stands as a practical case study in how technology can reshape daily travel while preserving safety and accessibility for all residents.
As Zaragoza advances with this ambitious program, the city remains focused on evaluating performance metrics, collecting user feedback, and refining system integration with existing routes and services. The aim is not only to showcase a new technology but also to deliver real-world benefits—improved reliability, cleaner air, and greater convenience for commuters—during the pilot period and beyond. The ongoing collaboration among industry partners and public authorities provides a blueprint for scaling up autonomous mobility in urban settings while maintaining a human-centered approach to public transportation. This thoughtful mix of innovation and governance is expected to inform future policies and inspire similar efforts in other Canadian and American cities exploring autonomous transit options.
One important note accompanying the pilot is the emphasis on safety, accessibility, and inclusivity. The project prioritizes clear information for riders, accessible boarding, and equitable service across different neighborhoods. By combining cutting-edge technology with practical safeguards, Zaragoza aims to demonstrate that autonomous buses can deliver not only efficiency but also a high standard of public service that residents can rely on in their daily routines.