Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why does automated mobility support Switzerland's climate targets?

The promotion of automated transport systems makes new mobility concepts possible, especially for public transport, using low-emission vehicles. Routes can be operated more efficiently and optimised. Vehicle sizes can be flexibly adjusted according to passenger volumes and the vehicle fleet. Shared use of vehicles (sharing) reduces the volume of traffic compared to private transport. In addition, the integration of automated mobility in logistics processes also enables goods to be transported more efficiently using optimised delivery routes. Other advantages include timely deliveries and the use of electric vehicles, which also contributes to achieving climate targets.

What are the advantages and challenges for the cantons and cities that want automated mobility solutions?

From the perspective of the cantons and cities, automated driving offers numerous opportunities: Efficiency and gains in parking space, capacity gains on the road, new traffic management options, platforms for combining various public and private transport services and better accessibility thanks to new Mobility as a Service offerings. On the other hand, the digital infrastructure, the organisation of road space, the necessary legal adjustments, the potentially higher mileage and traffic management measures are likely to present challenges. Options for the use of automated vehicles must therefore be embedded in the overall traffic, spatial and urban planning considerations.

Will automated mobility make city logistics easier?

In cities, where delivery services are particularly challenging for the logistics sector and overload the road network, automated vehicles help to ease the traffic situation. This enables flows of goods to be bundled and better use of journeys, which ultimately reduces the volume of traffic. Automated mobility is fundamentally challenging the logistics sector: The responsibilities and interfaces for the loading, transport and unloading processes must be redefined.

How is trip safety and interaction with other road users ensured?

Automated vehicles are very safe thanks to the latest technologies. Swiss legislation also provides for remote monitoring. An operator permanently monitors the vehicle and can take over control of the car at any time in an emergency. In addition, a so-called "Minimal Risk Manoeuvre" (MRM) is programmed into automated vehicles. This is a safety function that ensures the vehicle stops immediately if something goes wrong.

Won't the use of automated vehicles lead to the loss of many jobs? For example, truck and bus drivers?

Self-driving vehicles will not replace public transport, but will complement it. The greatest advantage of automated mobility is that the use of private vehicles can increasingly be dispensed with if a suitable offer is available. Drivers in public transport will continue to be very important. In addition, the ordinance of the Swiss Road Traffic Act requires that an operator continuously monitors the fleet remotely. Nevertheless, the industry continues to be affected by the shortage of skilled labour, which is why it is all the more important to take care of staff.

What does the future of automated driving look like?

The future of automated mobility is networked and at the same time fossil fuel-free. When automated mobility is discussed, it is often from the perspective of technology and industry. However, there are many issues regarding planning in the cities and cantons, as well as for public transport companies, that go beyond this. What impact do automated vehicles have on the capacity of the transport infrastructure? Do we need new, different or fewer infrastructures? What legal adjustments will be necessary? What is the role and responsibility of the public sector? Who owns the published data? Which mobility offers have real market opportunities? There is no doubt that digitisation and technology will open up new transport options for passenger and freight transport. Road safety increases and society benefits from unrestricted mobility thanks to "on-demand" services.

Our company is interested in carrying out a pilot project. What steps do I need to take?

FEDRO has published an information sheet on the launch of pilot tests with automated vehicles in Switzerland. More information can be found on the SAAM website.

Where can I view the test reports on the pilot projects?

An overview of current and completed projects can be found on the SAAM website.