Connected mobility refers to the interaction of various modes of transport such as cars, public transport, bicycles and e-scooters, which communicate with each other via digital interfaces. Thanks to real-time data exchange, traffic flows can be managed more efficiently, emissions can be reduced and congestion can be avoided.
At the heart of this system are Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS). These systems connect vehicles, infrastructure and users via wireless communication and standardised protocols. Information on traffic congestion, roadworks or weather conditions, for example, is transmitted immediately.
Communication takes place via:
- V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle),
- V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure),
- V2X (vehicle-to-everything, e.g. also to bicycles and pedestrians).
Fundamentals of connectivity and C-ITS
Security and data protection are key prerequisites for connected mobility. Systems must not only function efficiently but also be protected against cyberattacks and operated in compliance with data protection regulations.
Key points:.
- Cybersecurity: authentication, encrypted communication and trustworthy digital identities (public key infrastructure).
- Data protection: Only necessary data, anonymised wherever possible (e.g. pseudonymisation of driving data), transparency for users.
- Privacy by design: Data protection and IT security are considered from the outset – from data minimisation to secure software updates.
Connected mobility pilot projects
Pilot projects are essential for testing new solutions in real traffic conditions, providing scientific support and concrete benefits for everyday life. Traffic information can be obtained using floating car data (FCD), which is movement data from vehicles.
Examples of these pilot projects:
Traffic congestion warning (Basel 2021–2023):
The evaluation of over 4,000 journeys shows that the technology for warning motorists of stationary traffic is basically practicable, even if technical hurdles remain at present.
Journey time information (ongoing):
In several projects, current journey times were recorded and processed to facilitate route selection. For example, small devices (dongles) were installed in some vehicles to provide anonymised data on position, speed and driving behaviour. Bluetooth sensors were installed on roads to record movement patterns, travel times and traffic flows anonymously, simply and efficiently. Movement profiles are neither recorded nor stored. The aim is to make this traffic information available in future to improve route selection and enable optimised traffic control.
Floating Car Data
One way of obtaining up-to-date information on the traffic situation was via dongles. In this pilot project, small electronic devices known as dongles were installed in vehicles to collect and transmit data. These dongles collected information such as speed, position (GPS), driving behaviour and vehicle status.
This made it possible to obtain anonymised movement and traffic data from as many private vehicles as possible in order, for example, to:
- analyse the flow of traffic,
- calculate journey times,
- identify traffic congestion,
- optimise traffic management.
The advantage of using such dongles is that the required data can be obtained directly from the vehicle, regardless of the vehicle brand and without complex integration. The collected data was evaluated and used for various purposes in traffic management or for research projects.
In another project currently under way, data on current traffic flow is being collected and evaluated through the anonymous detection of Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth sensors are being installed along selected sections of motorway.
Possible future areas of application here are
- Journey time information: The collected data makes it possible to determine current travel times on specific sections of the route and to pass this information on to road users in real time.
- Analysis of traffic flows: The information allows patterns in mobility behaviour to be identified, such as rush hours, typical routes or lengths of stay at certain locations.
How it works:
- A vehicle or person with an activated Bluetooth device passes a Bluetooth sensor.
- The sensor registers an anonymised ID of the Bluetooth device and the time.
- When the same device passes another measuring point, the journey time between the points is calculated.
- The data is aggregated to create traffic analyses and journey time forecasts.
Floating car data projects are building blocks of connected mobility, as they help to digitally and automatically collect and evaluate traffic data. This data forms the basis for intelligent traffic control, optimisation of traffic flows and improvement of travel information for all road users.
Legal basis
Cross-modal data exchange requires a reliable legal basis. With the planned Federal Act on Mobility Data Infrastructure (MODIA), the federal government aims to create a new cross-sector legal framework from 2028 onwards.
Swiss legal situation
European level (ITS Directive)
Data protection law (Switzerland)
The Federal Council intends to establish a national mobility data infrastructure (MODI). MODI is intended to simplify the exchange of mobility data across transport modes and government levels. The planned Mobility Data Infrastructure Act MODIA aims to create a national, interoperable data infrastructure from 2028 onwards. Use of MODI is voluntary, and trust is central to data exchange. MODI is therefore subject to principles such as the protection of personal data, neutrality, independence, openness and transparency.
Further information: Data for an efficient mobility system - FOT
FEDRO is responsible for the ITS directives and their delegated regulations in Switzerland. The EU requires the provision of digital traffic data via National Access Points (NAP) – initially for motorways, later for all public roads. Although Switzerland is not obliged to implement this, FEDRO is actively participating in this process (NAPcore).
The deployment of intelligent transport systems in Europe | EUR-Lex
The new Data Protection Act (FADP, in force since 2023) protects the privacy of natural persons and regulates the transfer of data abroad. The relevant details are set out in the Data Protection Ordinance (DPO) and the Data Protection Certification Ordinance (DPCO).