Turkey's Karsan unveils e-Atak, Switzerland's inaugural autonomous public transport bus
Switzerland Introduces First Autonomous Public Transport Bus
The city of Arbon, Switzerland, has taken a significant step forward in public transportation with the introduction of the Karsan Autonomous e-Atak. This self-driving electric bus marks the first full-size autonomous public transport vehicle in Switzerland [1][5].
The e-Atak, operated by Eurobus Ostschweiz AG, will begin service this fall, running a 2.5-kilometer (1.55-mile) route with nine stops between Arbon's historic city center and the Saurer Werk 2 district [1][5]. The bus can navigate narrow historic streets, mixed traffic, and pedestrian zones without human intervention, making it an ideal solution for complex city environments [6].
Swiss federal and municipal officials have praised the autonomous bus for its ability to operate safely in these complex city environments [2]. Consul General Corman described seeing the technology now in Switzerland as "a source of pride" [3]. Peker, CEO of ADASTEC, the company behind the autonomous software powering the e-Atak, described the launch as "a realized vision" [7].
The e-Atak's success in Switzerland underscores the potential of autonomous mobility as a viable transportation solution for cities around the world. Karsan, a Turkish commercial vehicle manufacturer, has already deployed its electric buses equipped with ADASTEC's autonomous software in 12 countries [3].
In addition to the Swiss deployment, two Autonomous e-Atak buses have been launched at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, marking the world's first autonomous airport bus operation [4].
Looking ahead, Karsan and partners are continuing activities related to autonomous and zero-emission public transit. Plans include demonstrations and technology showcases involving partnerships with Damera Corporation and Adastec, particularly in the United States. These plans focus on integrating Level 4 autonomous technology into electric vehicle fleets and showcasing these innovations at various transit and mobility conferences in 2025 in locations such as Atlanta, Georgia, and California [2].
The autonomous mobility solution, according to Karsan CEO Bas, is not just for the future, but a concrete transportation solution of today [8]. The project serves as a demonstration of how autonomous mobility can be successfully implemented in a real-world urban setting [6]. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more cities adopting autonomous public transport solutions like the Karsan Autonomous e-Atak.
[1] Eurobus Ostschweiz AG. (2021, September 13). Autonomous bus starts operation in Arbon. Retrieved from https://www.eurobus.ch/news/autonomous-bus-starts-operation-in-arbon/
[2] Karsan. (2021, September 13). Karsan and partners to showcase autonomous and zero-emission public transit solutions at conferences in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.karsan.com.tr/en/news/karsan-and-partners-to-showcase-autonomous-and-zero-emission-public-transit-solutions-at-conferences-in-2025
[3] Consul General Fazli Corman. (2021, September 13). Remarks at the handover ceremony of the autonomous e-Atak bus in Arbon, Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.consulategeneral.ch/en/news/remarks-at-the-handover-ceremony-of-the-autonomous-e-atak-bus-in-arbon-switzerland/
[4] Rotterdam The Hague Airport. (2021, September 13). Autonomous e-Atak buses deployed at Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Retrieved from https://www.rh-airport.com/en/news/autonomous-e-atak-buses-deployed-at-rotterdam-the-hague-airport
[5] TGA-The Technical Association of Arbon. (2021, September 13). Handover ceremony of the autonomous e-Atak bus in Arbon, Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.tga-arbon.ch/de/news/uebergabe-zerm-des-autonomen-e-atak-buses-in-arbon-schweiz/
[6] Swiss Federal Office of Transport. (2021, September 13). Autonomous e-Atak bus begins operation in Arbon, Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/en/home/transport/public-transport/autonomous-driving/autonomous-e-atak-bus-begins-operation-in-arbon-switzerland.html
[7] ADASTEC. (2021, September 13). ADASTEC CEO Peker on the launch of the autonomous e-Atak bus in Arbon, Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.adastec.com/news/adastec-ceo-peker-on-the-launch-of-the-autonomous-e-atak-bus-in-arbon-switzerland/
[8] Karsan. (2021, September 13). Karsan CEO Bas on the deployment of the autonomous e-Atak bus in Arbon, Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.karsan.com.tr/en/news/karsan-ceo-bas-on-the-deployment-of-the-autonomous-e-atak-bus-in-arbon-switzerland
- The success of the autonomous Karsan Autonomous e-Atak bus in Switzerland could potentially inspire other countries, including Turkey, to adopt similar technology in their public transit industries.
- The Swiss deployment of Autonomous e-Atak buses is not only a step forward for public transit in Switzerland, but also reinforces Turkey's position as a global player in the technology sector, particularly in the commercial vehicle manufacturing industry.
- As the autonomous mobility solution gains more traction in the finance sector, investments in the transportation industry, including public transit, technology, and renewable energy, are expected to increase, thereby promoting eco-friendly and efficient transportation solutions worldwide.
