Project
RHEMA? AmiGo!
AmiGo was present at this year’s “Rheintalmesse” in Altstätten with a vehicle on site and in direct dialogue with visitors. The aim was to understand the needs of the population at an early stage and to incorporate them into the further development of AmiGo. The feedback suggests that many visitors are open to automated driving.
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Experiencing AmiGo
Over the two trade fair weekends from 24–26 April and 30 April–2 May, the AmiGo team used the Rheintalmesse as a platform for direct dialogue. The AmiGo vehicle attracted a great deal of attention and offered visitors an insight into automated mobility. Interested parties were able to explore the interior of the vehicle and get an initial idea of what the future service will look like.
Direct dialogue with the population is a key element in the development of AmiGo. It helps to identify needs at an early stage and integrate them into the development of the service in a targeted manner. At the same time, it helps to better understand uncertainties and build trust. The discussions on site showed that there is a great deal of interest in the project and that many people are willing to engage with it in depth. As one visitor put it in a nutshell: “I find it exciting that PostBus is trying out such a project. You get a completely different feeling about it here and you better understand how it should work.”
Positive attitude meets the need for safety and trust
The analysis of the surveys shows an overall positive attitude towards automated driving. At the same time, it is clear that trust in technology plays a key role. For many people, safety aspects are crucial, especially when it comes to initial use.
To ensure safety, AmiGo is adopting a step-by-step approach: safety drivers are currently accompanying the journeys, and the project is being carried out in close consultation with the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) and the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). In the long term, the vehicles will also be monitored by a remote office in Altstätten.
Home from RHEMA with AmiGo?
The discussions provided concrete insights for the further development of the service. Many people see AmiGo as a useful supplement to public transport, especially at off-peak times or where public transport connections are limited. Usage scenarios such as the journey to the railway station or journeys in leisure time were often mentioned.
In keeping with the trade fair, getting home after a night out was also mentioned several times. In any case, after a long day at the RHEMA, some visitors would have liked to simply sit in an AmiGo and get home comfortably and conveniently.
