Baidu's Apollo Go Secures Swiss Permit for Level 4 Autonomous Transit

Switzerland’s Federal Roads Office has granted a special permit for Level 4 autonomous operations to AmiGo, a joint venture between Baidu’s Apollo Go and PostBus. The approval allows for expanded open-road testing across an 80-square-kilometer area in Eastern Switzerland, marking a significant step toward launching Europe’s largest automated public transport network.

Since June 1, 2026, AmiGo vehicles have been navigating routes across the cantons of St. Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Appenzell Innerrhoden. While current trials require a safety operator on board, the project aims to transition to fully driverless transport by early 2027. The service utilizes the Apollo Go RT6, a fully electric vehicle equipped with more than 30 sensors for real-time environmental perception and processing.

This partnership combines Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing expertise—which recorded over 3.2 million driverless rides globally in the first quarter of 2026—with PostBus’s established infrastructure in the Swiss transport sector. By integrating these autonomous units into the existing public transit grid, the operators intend to service regions where conventional transport options are restricted. Following an upcoming closed-group user trial, the venture will move to finalize safety evidence required for the removal of the steering wheel and the commencement of full-scale operations.