UITP announced the launch of Ultimo, a new European project aiming to deploy the first economically viable large-scale, on-demand, and user-oriented AV public transportation service, according to the company's news release.

The company added it wants to take a holistic approach to AV deployment that considers all elements in a cross-sector business environment. The new project wants to integrate AVs into cities with on-demand and door-to-door services that will allow for more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive mobility, according to UITP.

"The learnings that the sector has built so far around shared automated mobility need to be now scaled up with larger fleets of AVs that are passengers-centric and economically viable," said Dr. Henriette Cornet, thematic area leader of  Automated Mobility at UITP. "Only if larger fleets of AVs are integrated into the public transport network, the benefits of automated mobility for society and the environment can be truly unlocked. UITP is proud to be a partner in Ultimo to help tackle exactly these challenges."

Ultimo will deploy AVs in three sites across Europe, each with 15 or more multi-vendor vehicles per site. The aim is to target the operation without safety-driver on board, in fully automated mode, and with the support of user-centric passenger services.