Self-Controlled City Liner (SCCL) Arbon

The SCCL (Self-Controlled City Liner) project is a pioneering mobility initiative launched by the Technical Society of Arbon (TGA) to mark its 100th anniversary. Designed to bring Arbon’s historic innovation legacy into the digital age, the project explores the feasibility of using autonomous electric minibuses to improve public transportation and connectivity within the city—particularly between the historic old town, the Saurerwerk 2 development, cultural sites, medical centers, and municipal offices.

What sets the SCCL project apart is that it is entirely funded by private and institutional partners—including ArbonEnergie AG, FPT Motorenforschung AG, Raiffeisenbank Regio Arbon, and others—without the use of public funds. The initiative is not only a transport solution but a symbol of future-oriented urban development, aligning with broader sustainability, accessibility, and digital transformation goals.

Vision and Objectives

The SCCL project aims to:

• Offer a driverless shuttle system to enhance accessibility, particularly for the elderly and tourists.

• Reduce emissions through fully electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles.

• Act as a model for future urban transport, integrating digital technology and smart infrastructure.

• Provide a flexible, scalable public transit system that can evolve with demand and technological advancement.

Technology and Operations

The project envisions vehicles operating at automation levels 3 (conditional) and 4 (highly automated), pending authorization by ASTRA (Swiss Federal Roads Office). In the early phases, shuttles will still require an onboard safety operator, but the goal is to transition to fully autonomous operation managed remotely via a centralized control center.

The route includes eight strategic stops around Arbon, connecting major points like the train station, harbor, city hall, museums, and medical facilities. The complete loop takes approximately 30 minutes, serving both local residents and visitors.

Vehicles are equipped with advanced sensor technology (Lidar, radar, cameras) and powered by clean energy provided by ArbonEnergie AG. They are silent, require minimal maintenance, and do not need recharging during daily operations.

Development Phases

The project is divided into several progressive stages:

1. Phase 1 – Fixed-route shuttle with onboard operator (3-year pilot).

2. Phase 2 – On-demand service via mobile app, similar to Switzerland’s PubliCar model.

3. Phase 3 – Route expansion to regional landmarks such as the future cantonal museum and Mosterei Museum MoMö.

Each phase will require a separate ASTRA approval, and careful adaptation of local infrastructure (e.g. bus stops, road clearances) will support safe and efficient deployment.

Strategic Impact

Beyond its practical transportation value, the SCCL project is intended as a living innovation lab. It supports:

• The digitization of mobility in smaller urban areas.

• The decarbonization of public transport.

• Arbon’s positioning as a leader in smart city development and New Mobility.

By embracing autonomous public transport, Arbon joins a global movement exploring how technology can make urban life more efficient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. From Tel Aviv to Singapore, pilot programs like SCCL are shaping the future of mobility.

Partners and Governance

The project is managed by a multidisciplinary steering board including representatives from TGA, the City of Arbon, Eurobus, Arbon Energie AG, and PostAuto AG. Operational support is provided by Eurobus AG, which will handle vehicle maintenance, battery charging, and logistics during the pilot phases.

The feasibility study, conducted by AMoTech GmbH, has laid the groundwork for routing, infrastructure needs, cost estimates, legal considerations, and potential timelines. Total costs for the first three years of implementation are projected at CHF 3 million.