Automated Bus Service at Rotterdam The Hague Airport
In July 2025, the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK, automated by ADASTEC, began serving as the Netherlands’ first SAE Level-4 automated bus service on open public roads at Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA). Developed in collaboration with Karsan, DAM Shuttles, RET, the Municipality of Rotterdam, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, HTM, and the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam-The Hague (MRDH), this deployment is designed to improve connectivity between Meijersplein metro station and the airport terminal, bringing fully automated, eco-conscious mobility to one of Europe’s busiest regional air hubs.
The service features two Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK operating along the extended airport corridor, integrated with the existing public transport line 33. Each Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK is equipped with ADASTEC’s flowride.ai software platform, which autonomously handles all driving functions, navigating intersections, merging with traffic, and accommodating real-time road dynamics.
ADASTEC's flowride.ai is built to ensure continuous operation in varying weather conditions and high-traffic environments, which is essential for maintaining punctuality in airport-related mobility. The system supports smooth boarding and travel experiences for up to 15 passengers per vehicle, including space for luggage and full wheelchair accessibility, ensuring that travelers of all needs are served with comfort and efficiency.
This deployment offers a reliable alternative for airport employees, frequent flyers, and first-time visitors alike. It enhances the existing transit network by delivering a dependable connection between metro and terminal while reducing emissions and easing congestion along the route.
Officially approved by the Dutch road authority RDW, the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK service meets national safety and compliance standards to operate on public roads and transport paying passengers within the airport’s extended access zone.
By deploying fully automated Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK in a live airport setting, ADASTEC demonstrates how software-led mobility can create a more seamless and inclusive ground transportation experience, serving both local commuters and international travelers in one of the most demanding mobility environments.
As part of the intelligent transportation ecosystem, the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK on this route actively communicate with Roadside Units (RSUs) integrated into the traffic management system. Leveraging V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication, the vehicles send real-time updates to RSUs when approaching intersections equipped with bus-priority traffic lights, ensuring timely and efficient passage. In return, the system also receives critical messages such as emergency alerts, enabling the automated driving platform to adapt promptly to dynamic road and safety conditions. This two-way communication enhances overall traffic coordination and reinforces the role of the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK as a smart, responsive element within the urban mobility network.