Baden-Württemberg interested in autonomous bus in Schaffhausen
A delegation led by Baden-Württemberg's transport minister visited the automated bus line STL Line 13 in Schaffhausen. According to Winfried Hermann, the Swiss Transit Lab there shows "the impressive potential" of the technology.
The first bus line in Switzerland to be served by a self-driving bus with dual-mode technology has now also aroused curiosity in Baden-Württemberg, according to a media release from the Swiss Transit Lab. Winfried Hermann, the transport minister of the south-west German state, visited the Swiss Transit Lab’s STL Line 13 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 28 April and runs in an initial pilot phase from Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. three times an hour between the North Station and the Stahlgiesserei.
Hermann sees the development of autonomous buses as an important component for cost-efficient and demand-oriented public transport in rural areas in the long term. “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 hours,” he is quoted as saying in the statement. “In Schaffhausen, the Swiss Transit Lab is already demonstrating the impressive potential of the technology.” The state of Baden-Württemberg is involved in several pilot projects that are advancing research on autonomous buses, he said.