Flemish public transport operator De Lijn has officially launched a pilot project with self-driving minibuses in the city of Leuven, marking a milestone for Belgian mobility. While the vehicles are currently running without passengers, they are expected to begin carrying commuters from mid-November.
The project represents the first time autonomous vehicles are navigating heavy city traffic at normal speeds of up to 40 km/h in Belgium. According to De Lijn, the launch signals a step forward in harnessing smart technology to improve urban transport efficiency.
The minibuses will follow a fixed route from Leuven station, passing through Maria-Theresiastraat and Naamsestraat, before continuing to Naamsesteenweg and ending at Reeboklaan in Heverlee.
Passengers will be able to use the same payment methods as on existing buses, including app-based digital tickets, text message tickets, or subscriptions.
The autonomous vehicles made their debut run through Leuven on Wednesday under police escort. Leuven councillor for Mobility Dirk Vansina (CD&V) praised the initial test, noting the shuttles completed multiple journeys between Leuven and Heverlee smoothly.
“The trip went very well and smoothly,” Vansina said. “It gained its initial experience and scanned the surrounding area to learn and become smarter.”
The pilot project will allow the buses to operate several times per week in the coming months, though not on a daily basis. De Lijn confirmed that the vehicles will not carry passengers until mid-November, ensuring enough time to assess driving behaviour in urban traffic conditions.
For safety reasons, a steward will remain on board each minibus to intervene if necessary, while the police escort will be phased out gradually. Once passenger service begins, the shuttles will carry up to eight people per trip. The trial is scheduled to continue until January 2026.
Flemish Minister for Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA) highlighted the potential of autonomous transport in tackling urban challenges.
“With this first project, we are harnessing the potential of autonomous vehicles to increase road safety, reduce congestion, and alleviate parking pressure,” De Ridder said. She added that such vehicles could also serve rural areas, provide last-mile connections, and benefit passengers with reduced mobility.
The initiative has not gone without scrutiny. Trade unions ACOD and ACV expressed cautious views, noting the technology remains at an early stage.
ACOD representative Dimitri Van Can said unions are “not expecting any impact in the short or medium term.” ACV secretary Bart Reyns added that Belgian legislation governing autonomous vehicles is not yet ready.
The minibuses are supplied by WeRide, a global technology company in which Renault Group holds a share. By teaming up with technology partners, De Lijn hopes to position itself at the forefront of sustainable and innovative transport solutions in Europe.
If successful, Leuven’s pilot project could pave the way for broader deployment of autonomous buses across Flanders in the years ahead, potentially reshaping how residents and commuters travel within and between cities.
