The First Full-Size Automated Bus Operating on Public Roads in Arbon, Switzerland

Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK, automated by ADASTEC, has been in full public service in Arbon, Switzerland since mid-September, 2025, marking the country’s first and only full-size automated bus operating on public roads. Approved by the FederalOffice of Transport (FOT) for the vehicle platform and the Federal Roads Office(FEDRO) for the automated driving system, this deployment is fully certified for real-world passenger operations and meets Switzerland’s highest safety and compliance standards.

Operating along a 2.5-kilometer route with nine designated stops, the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK connects key points across the city, including the lakeside, train station, Arbon Castle, public swimming area, and city hall. The service also benefits from five pre-mapped alternative routes, offering operational flexibility when needed. Running year-round with separate summer and winter timetables, the automated bus navigates downtown Arbon’s mixed-traffic streets, narrow lanes, pedestrian areas, and signalized intersections at a regulated speed of 30 km/h, providing dependable and efficient transport for residents and visitors alike.

The vehicle is fully wheelchair-accessible and offers seating for 19 passengers plus two additional seats, ensuring inclusive mobility for all users. Designed for comfort and reliability, the service operates as part of the SCCL (Self Controlled City Liner)project, led by TGA in partnership with the City of Arbon and Eurobus Ostschweiz AG as the operating agent.

The Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK, automated by ADASTEC’s flowride.ai SAE Level-4 automated driving software platform, working in tandem with a comprehensive sensor suite to navigate complex urban environments. The platform integrates perception, localization, and planning capabilities, while the sensor suite continuously captures real-time infrastructure and environmental data to ensure safe and precise decision-making in all seasons, including Switzerland’s winter weather. The vehicle is also equipped with V2X capability for potential future communication with city infrastructure, further enhancing its role in the intelligent transportation ecosystem.

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Teleoperation support is available through a dedicated control center operated by Applied Autonomy, allowing authorized operators to remotely assist the vehicle in rare situations where intervention is needed, such as navigating unexpected obstacles or returning to its operational path. This additional layer of operational continuity strengthens safety and service reliability.

Timetable for Passenger Service in Arbon

The Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK, automated by ADASTEC, operates daily service in Arbon under the SCCL project.

Key Stops and Departure Times (Monday to Friday):

• Bahnhof Ost Kante C – 07:36, 08:06, 08:36, 09:36, 10:36, 11:36, 13:06, 13:36, 14:36, 15:36, 16:36
• Hafen – 07:38, 08:08, 08:38, 09:38, 10:38, 11:38, 13:08, 13:38, 14:38, 15:38, 16:38
• Schloss – 07:39, 08:09, 08:39, 09:39, 10:39, 11:39, 13:09, 13:39, 14:39, 15:39, 16:39
• ZIK – 07:40, 08:10, 08:40, 09:40, 10:40, 11:40, 13:10, 13:40, 14:40, 15:40, 16:40
• Saurer-Museum, Schwimm – 07:41, 08:11, 08:41, 09:41, 10:41, 11:41, 13:11, 13:41, 14:41, 15:41, 16:41
• Seepark Saal – 07:43, 08:13, 08:43, 09:43, 10:43, 11:43, 13:13, 13:43, 14:43, 15:43, 16:43
• Römerhof Süd – 07:45, 08:15, 08:45, 09:45, 10:45, 11:45, 13:15, 13:45, 14:45, 15:45, 16:45
• Schloss – 07:46, 08:16, 08:46, 09:46, 10:46, 11:46, 13:16, 13:46, 14:46, 15:46, 16:46
• Engelplatz West – 07:47, 08:17, 08:47, 09:47, 10:47, 11:47, 13:17, 13:47, 14:47, 15:47, 16:47
• Bahnhof Ost Kante C (return) – 07:48, 08:18, 08:48, 09:48, 10:48, 11:48, 13:18, 13:48, 14:48, 15:48, 16:48

Launched in collaboration with TGA, the City of Arbon, Eurobus Ostschweiz AG, and Applied Autonomy, this deployment demonstrates the scalability and operational maturity of ADASTEC’s technology, already active in multiple European cities. By integrating seamlessly with Arbon’s existing transport network, the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK delivers zero-emission, accessible, and future-ready mobility, setting a benchmark for how smaller cities can successfully adopt automated public transportation.

With its proven year-round performance and adaptability, the Arbon deployment shows how automation can enhance connectivity, support sustainability goals, and provide safe, inclusive public transit to communities of all sizes.

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