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PostBus, a Switzerland operator of public buses, has commenced testing of autonomous electric buses on public roads at Sion, in Canton of Valais.

This move follows trials on private land that have been taking place for several months.

The project is being carried out in a partnership with the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), and Mobility Lab Sion Valais.

The testing will help researchers come up with effective fleet management algorithms for smart mobility systems that will ultimately help in boosting traffic conditions.

PostBus secured approval from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and the road traffic department of Canton of Valais to operate the autonomous vehicles on roads.

"The two autonomous vehicles used for testing feature 11 seats and can travel at a maximum speed of 20km per hour."

The tests will be conducted until October next year.

The two autonomous vehicles used for testing feature 11 seats and can travel at a maximum speed of 20km per hour.

These buses are being monitored and controlled by a remote operator using a software programme developed by the EPFL startup BestMile.

The vehicles operate in Sion’s old town and have many stops including Place de la Planta and Place du Midi.

Image: The PostBus. Photo: Courtesy of EPFL.