Capvest has joined forces with the Commune of Port-Valais and the urban planning firm GEA to initiate tests of a new 100% electric, modular shuttle bus in Le Bouveret. The tests are part of Cavpest’s plans to improve mobility in this magnificent tourist destination at the end of Lake Geneva, where Cavpest is piloting the development of a village outlet project.

The shuttle is called Cristal. It’s a CO2-free minibus, no longer than a standard car, ideal for covering the last few kilometers in a multimodal urban transport context. Each shuttle can carry up to 14 people standing, and can link up to a convoy of 3 vehicles, carrying up to 42 people per trip.

Consideration is currently being given to limiting the number of vehicles in the center of Le Bouveret, by creating a link with this electric shuttle between the port area of Le Bouveret, where boats disembark and trains and buses arrive, and the future outlet. Other links to the region’s many leisure centers, such as Acquaparc, Swiss Vapeur Parc and campsites, are also being studied.

This solution is part of the Port-Valais municipality’s forward-looking multimodal approach, which also includes a zero-emission lake shuttle project, more frequent train services and strategic parking facilities on the outskirts of the town center.

The shuttle is already approved and operational in France. Following these tests, an application for approval in Switzerland will be submitted.