Schaffhausen/Stuttgart – A delegation led by Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Transport has seen the automated STL Line 13 bus line in Schaffhausen for itself. According to Winfried Hermann, the Swiss Transit Lab there demonstrates “the impressive potential” of the technology.
Switzerland’s first bus route served by a self-driving bus with dual-mode technology has now aroused curiosity in Baden-Württemberg, according to a media release from the Swiss Transit Lab. Winfried Hermann, the transport minister of the southwestern German state, visited the STL Line 13 of the Swiss Transit Lab in Schaffhausen with a high-ranking delegation.
According to its media release, the delegation discussed “with great interest” the benefits, previous experiences and opportunities of the new technology and saw for themselves the driving comfort of the minibus. The line was opened on April 28 and, in an initial pilot phase, runs three times an hour from Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. between the North Station and the Stahlgiesserei.
Hermann sees the development of autonomous buses as an important component in the long term for cost-efficient and demand-oriented public transport in rural areas. “As part of on-demand services, these can ensure that people always remain well connected and are flexibly transported to their destination, even outside of rush hour,” he is quoted as saying in the release. “In Schaffhausen, the Swiss Transit Lab is already demonstrating the impressive potential of the technology.” He said the state of Baden-Württemberg is involved in several pilot projects that are advancing research on autonomous buses. ce/mm
