Switzerland’s first autonomous bus, the Karsan e‑ATAK Artour, will start operating in Arbon in fall 2025. The shuttle will travel on a 2.5 km route through the old town. The bus is electric, uses cameras and laser sensors (LiDAR) for navigation, and can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h. Initially, a safety driver will accompany the journey, but later it will be controlled remotely, as reported by SRF, among others.
Self-driving bus in Arbon hits the road
Arbon is taking the plunge: with its self-driving bus, the pilot project SCCL (Self Controlled City Liner) by Technische Gesellschaft Arbon TGA is launching Switzerland’s first automated public transport line. Technische Gesellschaft Arbon (TGA) is leading the project together with Eurobus Ostschweiz AG, the city of Arbon, and other partners. According to a statement, the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) are closely monitoring the project.
Technology and safety: sensors instead of steering wheels
The 8‑meter bus is electric and uses camera and laser technology. Eleven cameras and other sensors handle navigation and driving functions. In the event of a malfunction, the bus can be stopped at any time by remote control. A safety driver will be on board at all times during the three-year trial period.
Test phase until fall – then with passengers
The test phase is currently underway. Passengers are scheduled to be allowed to ride on the buses starting in fall 2025. This will make Arbon the first city in Switzerland to operate an autonomous bus on public transport. However, there have already been several attempts with autonomous buses in Switzerland – not always successful:
The first Swiss pilot project started in 2016 in Sion, Valais: Postauto AG transported 54,000 passengers with autonomous buses over a period of three years. However, technical difficulties and an accident occurred.
In 2018, a self-driving minibus was launched in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, SH – integrated into regular road traffic and the transport company’s control system, a world first. By fall 2019, it had transported over 35,000 passengers. An ETH study showed growing approval for autonomous driving and an image boost for the region. Similar shuttles were also tested in Bern, Meyrin, and Zug.
SCCL pilot project: vision meets practice
The Self Controlled City Liner (SCCL) project was initiated by TGA in 2019 to mark its 100th anniversary. With support from Eurobus, the city of Arbon, Arbon Energie, Postauto AG, and Larag Wil, the project is bringing smart technology to the streets. The goal: sustainable, safe mobility for the future.
