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Zurich Airport Launches Self-Driving Shuttle Bus Pilot Project

Experience the future of airport transport. Zurich Airport's new self-driving shuttle bus promises safer, smarter travel between gates.

In this image, we can see a bus on the road.
In this image, we can see a bus on the road.

Zurich Airport Launches Self-Driving Shuttle Bus Pilot Project

Zurich Airport is set to embark on a pilot project in the first quarter, deploying a self-driving shuttle bus for several months. The route will run from Gate 101 to the workshop at Gate 130, serving multiple stops and avoiding taxiways. The project aims to gather experience with automated vehicles and develop safety rules for their operation.

The self-driving shuttle bus, provided by Chinese tech company WeRide, can accommodate up to nine people and complements existing employee shuttle services. Initially, a driver will be on board to monitor the system, with remotely monitored trips planned later. The technology has been extensively tested and meets Zurich Airport's legal and safety requirements, ensuring high data protection.

The project is a collaboration between Zurich Airport AG and the Swiss Transit Lab (STL), with WeRide chosen as the technology provider. Although the airport has shown interest in innovations and sustainability, such as the use of electric buses, this is the first known instance of an autonomous apron bus being tested at Zurich Airport.

The pilot project is expected to provide valuable insights into the operation of automated vehicles at airports. It will help develop safety rules and best practices for their use. While no confirmed start date has been announced, interested parties can stay informed by monitoring the airport's website, subscribing to WeRide's newsletter, following local media, or directly inquiring with the airport.

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