Automated public transport starts in the Furttal valley
The pilot project for automated vehicles in the canton of Zurich brings the future of public transport one step closer. In collaboration with SBB and the Furttal municipalities, an innovative service is being created for travelling to and from the railway station, which should strengthen rural areas in particular.
The canton of Zurich and SBB have jointly initiated a pilot project that uses automated vehicles to supplement existing public transport. The focus is on trialling automated mobility solutions designed to improve access to S-Bahn stops in a flexible and cost-effective manner, particularly in rural areas.
Pilot region Furttal
The Furttal was selected as a pilot region due to its ideal settlement structure and existing public transport network. The population is to benefit from an expanded mobility offer, which will include minibuses in regular service or on-demand at a later stage. The aim is to gain practical insights for future business models and framework conditions.
Focus on safety and innovation
The automated vehicles, which will be tested from spring 2025, are equipped with sensors and are monitored centrally. Safety is the top priority: during the test phase, safety drivers will accompany the vehicles before the controls are fully automated.
Next steps and funding
In the coming months, the technology will undergo final calibration to ensure safe operation. The population of the Furttal valley will be actively involved in the project and will be able to gain initial insights at an information event in January. The project is being financed by the Canton of Zurich with CHF 3.8 million and SBB with CHF 5 million over five years. The pilot project is an important step towards innovative and sustainable public transport. With its focus on rural regions and new forms of mobility, it sets standards for the future of public transport in Switzerland.