AmiGo, an on-demand autonomous mobility service developed through a partnership between Baidu's Apollo Go and Swiss Post's PostBus, has received a special operating permit from Switzerland's Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) for Level 4 autonomous operations in Eastern Switzerland. The permit confirms that AmiGo's vehicles and autonomous driving system meet Switzerland's safety and quality requirements, marking a significant step in Apollo Go's European expansion. Open-road autonomous driving trials began on June 1, 2026, across an approximately 80 km² service area in the cantons of St. Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Appenzell Innerrhoden.

Regulatory Approval and Operational Milestones

The FEDRO special permit provides the regulatory framework for the trial, with clear requirements and defined responsibilities. Jürg Röthlisberger, Director of FEDRO, stated that the trial represents a new dimension in automated driving, featuring multiple vehicles, a real service area, and a concrete public transport offering. The current trials involve a safety operator on board. Provided all safety and regulatory requirements are met, regular fully driverless operations are expected to launch in early 2027.

Technology and Service Integration

AmiGo combines Apollo Go's RT6 vehicles and autonomous driving expertise with PostBus's knowledge of Swiss public transport operations. The service complements the existing public transport network, particularly in areas where conventional services reach their limits. The RT6 vehicles are fully electric, carry up to three passengers, and are equipped with over 30 sensors for environmental perception and real-time data processing. The steering wheel is designed to be removed once the service transitions to fully autonomous operations.

Apollo Go's Global Performance

Apollo Go reported significant operational metrics in the first quarter of 2026, delivering 3.2 million fully driverless rides with weekly rides peaking at over 350,000 in March, representing 120% year-over-year growth. As of April 2026, cumulative rides provided to the public exceeded 22 million. Apollo Go's global footprint spans 27 cities, with fleets accumulating over 330 million autonomous kilometers as of May, including over 220 million fully driverless kilometers.

Strategic Outlook

Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group, highlighted the permit as a validation of the company's technology under Switzerland's rigorous safety framework. Stefan Regli, CEO of PostBus, emphasized that the special permit demonstrates the ability to implement operations step by step under defined safety requirements. The next phase involves a closed-group user trial, followed by initial rides without safety operators once safety evidence is fully provided.

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The company stated that the U.S. government procurement limitations associated with the CMC List will not affect its operations. Furthermore, the listing does not impose restrictions on transacting in its securities.

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