#Switzerland #Zurich #Autonomous Driving #WeRide

WeRide Collaborates on Swiss Autonomous Driving Project

WeRide Inc., a prominent player in the autonomous driving technology sector, has been selected as the technology provider for an innovative pilot project in Switzerland aimed at enhancing public transportation. This initiative is further strengthened by the collaboration with Zurich Canton and the Swiss Federal Railways (CFF), coordinated by the Swiss Transit Lab (STL). WeRide's involvement underscores the global recognition of its advanced Level 4 autonomous driving solutions and operational prowess.

Project Overview

The pilot project will commence operations with two autonomous vehicles equipped with WeRide's technology. The rollout is set to begin in the second quarter, expanding to as many as four vehicles. The unmanned driving mode is expected to be operational for up to five years. By 2026, the fleet aims to grow further with an additional eight autonomous vehicles to enhance its capabilities.

The initial deployment will occur in the Furttal region, where local residents will have the opportunity to request the autonomous vehicles through a dedicated application developed by ioki. This modern approach to public transportation is anticipated to alleviate some of the mobility challenges faced in suburban areas.

Commitment to Innovation

Tony Han, the founder and CEO of WeRide, has expressed enthusiasm about this initiative, stating, "The launch of the Swiss pilot public transport project demonstrates WeRide's commitment to advancing autonomous driving solutions across Europe. Whether in major sporting events, airport operations, or public transport services, our solutions have proven highly adaptable across various scenarios."

The Swiss railway system serves as a crucial link between cities and villages, with an impressive average of 70 train journeys made per person annually, making it the highest rate in Europe. Despite this, many suburban regions still suffer from limited transportation options.

Project Partners

The Swiss Federal Railways (CFF), a public railway corporation established in 1902, is one of the investors in this project, managing a vast network spanning 3,000 kilometers. The Canton of Zurich is another significant investor, while the STL seeks to explore and promote innovative mobility solutions. Together, these partners aim to extend Switzerland's intelligent transportation network, leveraging WeRide's autonomous technology to deliver enhanced mobility solutions.

This Swiss initiative marks WeRide's third project in Europe within just eight months. Recently, the company debuted its first commercial autonomous minibus project at Zurich Airport and provided Level 4 autonomous shuttle services during the 2024 Open de France in Paris.

The selection of WeRide's technology not only confirms the versatility of its WeRide One autonomous driving platform but also illustrates its adaptability across various types of products. This growing interest in WeRide's technology, products, and services signals a promising future for autonomous driving solutions in Europe.