WeRide has obtained Switzerland’s first permit for fully driverless Robotaxi passenger services, marking a significant expansion of the company’s global autonomous driving footprint.
The approval from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) authorizes operation on public roads in the Furttal region and positions WeRide as the only autonomous mobility company holding permits across eight countries.
The authorization falls under the iamo (Intelligent Automated Mobility) pilot program led by the Swiss Transit Lab with support from the Zurich and Aargau Cantons and Swiss Federal Railways.
The operating area covers 110 km with 460 designated stops, allowing vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 80 km/h. According to WeRide, the permit is a milestone in bringing automated mobility into public transport systems, aimed at improving last-mile access and operational efficiency.
Testing has already begun with safety drivers through a partnership with a local driving school. Trials are taking place in several municipalities, including Boppelsen, Otelfingen, Buchs, Dänikon and Regensdorf, as the company evaluates system performance under varying traffic and weather conditions.
Once FEDRO requirements are met, the program will shift to fully driverless testing with remote monitoring handled by Eurobus, Switzerland’s largest private bus operator.
WeRide plans to launch driverless passenger services in the first half of 2026 after completing required mileage thresholds. The company intends to expand its fleet to include Robobuses, creating what it says will be Switzerland’s first mixed autonomous vehicle fleet. WeRide already operates autonomous Robobuses at Zurich Airport, where vehicles have been transporting employees since mid-2025.