TLDR: Hyundai Motor has initiated the first global pilot project of its AI-based ‘Shucle’ transportation platform in Gödöllő, Hungary. This initiative, part of the Economic Innovation Partnership Program between South Korea and Hungary, aims to enhance public transport efficiency, reduce empty runs and harmful emissions, and provide a modern alternative to traditional systems through dynamic route planning and flexible vehicle sharing.
Hyundai Motor Company has officially launched the inaugural global pilot project for its advanced artificial intelligence-based ‘Shucle’ transportation platform in Gödöllő, a city within the Budapest metropolitan area in Hungary. This strategic move is a cornerstone of the Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) between South Korea and Hungary, designed to fundamentally overhaul the public transportation sector.
The ‘Shucle’ platform is an innovative demand-responsive transportation (DRT) system that leverages AI to optimize vehicle operations by meticulously considering real-time customer needs. The primary objectives of this pilot are to minimize empty vehicle runs, significantly reduce harmful emissions, shorten passenger waiting times, and ultimately enhance the overall operational efficiency and sustainability of the public transport network.
The pilot project is slated for a 12-week operational phase, commencing on August 18 and concluding on October 31, 2025. During this period, Gödöllő’s existing public transport network, which currently comprises five buses operating across 12 routes, will be augmented with two new ‘Shucle’ vehicles. These vehicles will integrate seamlessly into the city’s system, with their optimal operation guided by the AI platform, which has been specifically adapted to local conditions through collaboration with local service providers.
According to Hyundai’s press release, the ‘Shucle’ system facilitates dynamic route planning and flexible vehicle sharing. This capability is expected to lead to a substantial reduction in both empty vehicle mileage and environmental pollutants, while simultaneously improving the responsiveness and convenience of the transportation system for commuters. Hyundai expresses strong confidence that this initiative will be a significant contributor to sustainable transportation solutions and will emerge as a compelling, modern alternative to conventional public transportation models.
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Notably, South Korea has been successfully deploying the ‘Shucle’ platform in its urban and suburban mobility services since 2021. The Gödöllő project marks the first instance of this platform being tested outside of South Korea, making it a pivotal step towards its international expansion. Should the pilot prove successful, Hyundai envisions the ‘Shucle’ platform reaching new markets worldwide and being implemented in additional towns and cities across Hungary.
