The SHOW project (SHared automation Operating models for Worldwide adoption), funded under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, has successfully concluded after over four years of pioneering work. From January 2020 to September 2024, SHOW has brought together 66 partners across Europe to advance CCAM solutions that meet the evolving needs of cities, communities, and stakeholders. With a mission to create efficient, sustainable, safe, and inclusive automated transportation systems, the SHOW project has left a lasting mark on the future of urban mobility.
To this end, SHOW developed and tested shared automated vehicle fleets in real-world urban settings, demonstrating how automated vehicles including shuttles, buses, and robotaxis can provide seamless, door-to-door passenger and freight transport. From expanding access to underserved areas to reducing traffic congestion and emissions, the project aimed to transform urban mobility while advancing Europe’s goals for smarter, greener, and safer cities.
SHOW set ambitious goals focused on user acceptance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. It fostered collaboration among cities, public transport operators (PTOs), public transport authorities (PTAs), and private operators to ensure that the technology aligns with real urban needs. Major highlights of the project include:
Real-World Demonstrations: Over 72 automated vehicles were deployed in cities across Europe, providing valuable insights into how these technologies interact with real-life urban conditions, from traffic flow to weather challenges.
User-Centric Development: By engaging with users and stakeholders, SHOW improved user acceptance and built robust feedback loops, ensuring that the technology meets community expectations and everyday needs.
Sustainable Business Models: The project explored and developed viable models for the long-term operation of automated fleets, offering a sustainable path for the adoption of automated urban transport.
Open Data Systems: SHOW created a framework for seamless data exchange between vehicles, operators, and cities, laying the foundation for connected vehicle ecosystems that will enhance efficiency and integration.
International Cooperation: The project worked with partners from Japan, China, the United States, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, promoting global knowledge-sharing and setting the stage for standardized automated mobility practices worldwide.
SHOW’s impact extends well beyond the life of the project. It has established a legacy through guidelines, reskilling programs, policy recommendations, and extensive training materials designed to prepare communities and the workforce for a future in which automated mobility will play an integral role. Each pilot city developed a roadmap to continue building on the SHOW initiatives, sustaining and expanding the project’s success for years to come.
SHOW Final Event: A Showcase of collaboration and insights
The project’s final event, held in Tampere, Finland, on 26 September 2024, brought together key stakeholders to reflect on the project’s outcomes and share insights for future advancements in automated mobility. A key takeaway from the event was the importance of collaborative frameworks among cities, public transport operators, and private mobility providers. The discussions underscored that while automated mobility technology has made great strides, its successful integration into urban life will require regulatory support that encourages partnerships and complements existing public transport services.
The event also explored how automation will shape urban planning, labour markets, and transportation policies. SHOW’s findings revealed that automated transport has the potential to extend public transport reach, especially in rural or low-demand areas. However, the path to full automation will be gradual, and existing roles like safety operators will continue to be essential, evolving alongside the technology.
Lasting Resources and Legacy
SHOW’s contributions include a wide range of resources, such as deliverables, technical publications, and training materials, which will serve as reference points for future projects. These materials not only document SHOW’s findings but also provide a blueprint for implementing automated mobility solutions in diverse environments. SHOW’s pilot cities have laid out detailed roadmaps to build on their learnings, ensuring that the momentum generated by the project will continue.
Moving Forward: A New Era in Automated Mobility
The project has set a high standard for automated urban mobility, positioning Europe as a global leader in this field. While the project itself has concluded, its legacy will influence the next wave of innovation in automated transport, enabling cities worldwide to create safer, more efficient, and more inclusive mobility systems.
As automated technology continues to develop, the lessons learned through SHOW will guide cities and stakeholders in making informed, sustainable decisions. With its resources, partnerships, and innovations, the SHOW project has not only advanced automated mobility but has also laid the groundwork for a future where seamless, accessible, and sustainable transport is a reality for all.