The highlight of the launch event on 24 March 2023 was definitely the first virtual ride of the 'STL Line 13' on the simulated route in Schaffhausen. Soon the self-driving minibus will conquer the real streets of Schaffhausen.
Events
March 24th 2023With our launch, the start of 'STL Line 13' has entered the hot phase. Interested parties from politics and business, media representatives and mobility experts were cordially invited to the Rhyality Immersive Art Hall at the Rhine Falls to celebrate the launch of 'STL Line 13' together with us. "The topic of autonomous mobility is too big to be mastered single-handedly. We see the 'STL Line 13' as a research laboratory. Together with our partners and members, we are learning in practice and accelerating the development of automated mobility" says Matthias Rödter (President STL).
Around 70 people found their way to Schaffhausen and experienced the vehicle live and the first virtual journey. Our guests and speakers included Martin Kessler (Government Councillor of the Canton of Schaffhausen), Jürg Röthlisberger (Director of the Federal Office of Transport, FEDRO), Martin Neubauer (Managing Director SAAM, PostBus) and Harri Santamala (CEO Sensible 4).
The visitors were given an insight into the entire project as well as details on automated driving. "We are starting the operation in level 3 of the autonomy level, the goal would be level 4" explained Dirk Apel (Vice President STL). The operation of the vehicle should be possible under different weather conditions and in all seasons.
Thomas Haiz (Executive Board STL) gave practical advice on the operation: "We will start with a one-shift operation on weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Later, we would like to develop the offer continuously, up to on-demand services." Christine Mauelshagen (STL board member) presented the first results of the ongoing acceptance study "Our goal was to involve the population before the start of operations and to enter into dialogue with various stakeholders".
After the presentation of the 'STL Line 13', the excitement was great! The guests marvelled at the first virtual ride. The original route of the 'STL Line 13' was simulated from two perspectives - the visualised sensor images and the human eye.
'STL Line 13' will be the first public transport line to start regular service without a driver using a production dual-mode vehicle. The journey is free of charge for passengers. In future, specially trained escort drivers will ensure safety on board. We are thus leading Schaffhausen into a new era of public transport.