Chinese autonomous-driving technology is being tested in everyday transport in Switzerland, with self-driving cars carrying passengers on public roads near Zurich and driverless shuttle buses operating at the city's international airport.

In Zurich's Furttal region, passengers can now book a self-driving electric car through a dedicated app as part of a pilot project called IAMO, or Intelligent Automated Mobility.

Launched for public use on September 28, the service operates three Nissan Ariya electric cars equipped with cameras, laser scanners and sensors. The vehicles serve nearly 100 designated stops across four municipalities, with a safety operator on board who can intervene if necessary.

The project brings together Swiss Transit Lab, Swiss Federal Railways and the cantons of Zurich and Aargau, using autonomous-driving technology supplied by Chinese company WeRide.

"We want to understand how we can use autonomous driving technology in public transport," said Matthias Rödter, President of Swiss Transit Lab. Early next year, the company says it will be introducing self-driving buses to its fleet.

The aim is to make public transport more flexible, particularly in areas where regular bus and train services are limited. Passengers can use the vehicles for short journeys, including travelling between their homes and railway stations.

At Zurich Airport, WeRide technology is also being used in two autonomous shuttle buses transporting airport personnel. Since September, the vehicles have been operating without safety drivers on board, travelling along designated routes within the airport grounds while being monitored remotely.

The Swiss projects are part of a wider expansion of Chinese autonomous-driving technology across Europe. In Belgium, WeRide shuttle buses are carrying passengers in Leuven. In Croatia's capital Zagreb, Chinese company Pony.ai has partnered with local operator Verne and Uber to introduce autonomous taxi services, including fully driverless test rides.

Meanwhile, Chinese technology company Baidu has begun testing its Apollo Go robotaxis on London's streets, with safety operators on board. Public passenger services are planned for 2027, subject to approval.

WeRide is also working with Uber and local partners towards launching a robotaxi service in Madrid.

Despite the growing number of projects, public confidence remains a challenge. In Zurich, some passengers told CGTN that they would still prefer a human driver, while strict regulations mean widespread adoption could take time.

For Chinese technology companies, Europe's transport networks offer an opportunity to demonstrate how autonomous vehicles could operate in different conditions and potentially become part of everyday travel.