TSMC's German Plant's Ripple Effect: German Town Promotes Autonomous Driving to Optimize Transportation

BERLIN, Jul. 8 (CNA) -- Even before TSMC's German plant begins production, it has already prompted surrounding cities to adjust their transportation plans. Radeberg, a town about 20 kilometers from Dresden, recently decided to launch a feasibility study for autonomous public transportation, hoping to improve local public transit and enhance the city's competitiveness amidst the talent competition driven by the semiconductor cluster.

According to the Sächsische Zeitung (SZ), the Radeberg city council recently passed a feasibility study plan for autonomous public transportation by a majority vote, assessing the viability of introducing an autonomous public transport system as a basis for future transportation construction and subsidy applications.

The city government stated that the primary driver for this study is the establishment of the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC), a joint venture involving TSMC, in the northern part of Dresden. As the construction of the wafer fab progresses, the demand for professional and technical talent continues to increase, leading to fiercer talent competition for local businesses. Therefore, improving public transportation and enhancing the accessibility of industrial zones have become important municipal issues.

The report indicates that autonomous driving has become a new direction for local public transportation improvement mainly due to the insufficient competitiveness of public transport and a continuous shortage of bus drivers.

City spokesperson Sarah Günther pointed out that compared to private cars, public transportation outside the metropolitan areas of Saxony lacks competitiveness in terms of network coverage, frequency of service, and commuting times. On the other hand, an aging population and high training thresholds for bus drivers have also led to a growing shortage of drivers. Therefore, the city government views autonomous driving as a potential solution to improve public transportation.

According to the plan, the feasibility study will analyze actual local traffic demands, select suitable routes for automated driving, assess the required infrastructure, operational models, and economic benefits, and serve as a foundation for the subsequent formal promotion of an autonomous public transportation project.

According to the report, the study budget is approximately 150,000 euros (about NT$5.5 million). This will serve as a basis for negotiations between the city of Radeberg, the Dresden Transport Association (ZVVO), and potential investors, and will be used to apply for future vehicle and infrastructure subsidies.

Mayor Frank Höhme stated that once completed, this autonomous driving feasibility study is expected to become a demonstrative transportation innovation project for Saxony, not only helping to enhance the city's competitiveness but also showcasing the determination of the local government to proactively respond to industrial development and build future transportation models. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150708)

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