The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) is exploiting the opportunities offered by intelligent mobility (IM) to improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of the road network.
The aim is to make better use of existing infrastructure: improving traffic flow, reducing congestion and lowering emissions. IM therefore represents the sustainable development of today's transport system.
What does intelligent mobility mean?
Intelligent mobility combines modern technologies with digital connectivity, creating a new interaction between vehicles, infrastructure and road users. This can result in, for example:
- New mobility services such as automated, simple and flexible shared mobility services
- Intelligent traffic management to reduce congestion and emissions
- Smart traffic light systems for optimised and efficient management of traffic lights
- Digital parking space management that reduces congestion when searching for parking spaces.
The focus is on making better use of the existing road network without sealing any more land. Digital platforms also simplify multimodal travel chains by enabling travellers to link, book and pay for different modes of transport in one application.
Furthermore, artificial intelligence, real-time data and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication (V2X) enable predictive traffic control. These measures help to avoid congestion, reduce energy consumption and improve air quality.
Safety is also improved: assistance systems such as emergency braking and lane departure warning functions help prevent accidents. Connected vehicles can detect hazards earlier and react more quickly. In the long term, automated driving has the potential to reduce human error and make traffic even more efficient.
How FEDRO contributes to intelligent mobility
FEDRO creates the conditions for IM to work in practice – through infrastructure, legal frameworks and coordination with national and international partners. The focus is on the following objectives:
- Safe, efficient operation of automated vehicles
FEDRO ensures that highly and fully automated as well as connected vehicles can travel safely on the Swiss highway network – including in cross-border traffic. - Digital equipment for national highways
Existing infrastructure is being supplemented with sensors and communication technology to enable automated driving. - Contribution to sustainability
IM contributes to achieving the federal government's environmental goals – for example, through intelligent traffic management and energy-efficient transport solutions. - Modern legal framework
FEDRO is working to remove regulatory hurdles so that new technologies can be deployed safely and promptly. - Equal consideration given to passenger and freight transport. IM is being developed in such a way that both areas benefit – with a clear focus on efficiency, safety and sustainability.
Integration into FEDRO's Intelligent Mobility Sub-Strategy (IM SS)
FEDRO's activities in the field of intelligent mobility are embedded in the Intelligent Mobility Sub-Strategy (IM SS). This defines the overarching objectives and guidelines. It is available on the FEDRO website: TS IM at astra.admin.ch
Key objectives of IM SS:
- IM strengthens a reliable, safe and efficient transport system – also from a cost-efficiency perspective.
- Legal frameworks enable the safe use of the latest and most effective technologies.
- Automated and connected vehicles operate on national highways – including in international traffic.
- The necessary digital infrastructure is available, and the systems used support a sustainable transport system.
- New business models in mobility are emerging – with added value in Switzerland.