New bus shelters combine climate action, digital technology and accessibility

The Federal City of Bonn, SWB Bus und Bahn and Ströer are continuing their successful Smart City partnership: these modern bus shelters demonstrate how digitalisation, sustainability and the quality of public spaces work together. The new bus stops combine innovative technology with eco-friendly solutions and improved comfort for passengers.

Mayor Guido Déus emphasises the project’s significance for urban development: “Smart City Bonn is becoming a reality right here at this stop next to the Old Town Hall. This modern shelter demonstrates that we are driving forward sustainable urban development that puts people’s needs at the heart of everything we do.”

Déus also refers to the partnership’s developments to date: “The foundation for a better quality of life in the city, and particularly in the area of public transport, was laid with a memorandum of understanding between the city, Stadtwerke Bonn and Ströer in 2020. It envisages that we will integrate the building blocks of biodiversity, sustainability and digitalisation into the cityscape

SWB Group Managing Director Anja Wenmakers also highlights the added value for passengers: “The overall package is impressive: we have an insect-friendly biotope here that protects passengers waiting in the shade for their bus and allows them to access digital real-time information.”

The new passenger shelters are based on findings from the “Waiting Shelter of the Future” project, for which Ströer conducted studies and surveys on the needs and wishes of local transport users.

“These two waiting shelters are the result; they reflect the current state of the art. I am delighted that, thanks to our partner, we can offer our passengers this quality of stay,” said Wenmakers.

New shelters in the city centre

Alexander Stotz, CEO of Ströer Media Germany, emphasises the long-term significance of the collaboration: “Our partnership with the City of Bonn and SWB Bus und Bahn is a living example of how we are working together to make public spaces fit for the future. For more than five years, we have been working together to develop Bonn step by step into a smart city – with over 100 refurbished or newly built bus stops. Our goal: to establish energy-self-sufficient passenger shelters with solar panels and green roofs as the new standard in the cityscape. This combination of innovative technology, sustainability and genuine added value for passengers shows what is possible when we work together as equals. We are proud to support Bonn as a pioneer for liveable and resilient urban development – and look forward to everything that lies ahead.”

The Bonn partnership has now been successfully in operation for more than five years. Numerous new bus shelters – including at the Central Bus Station – have already been installed, with more to follow in the course of this year.

The combination of sustainability and modern technology is particularly evident at the energy-self-sufficient bus stops: solar panels supply power to the lighting and digital E-Ink display cases. At the same time, the green roofs reduce heat build-up and enhance biodiversity in the urban environment.

Accessible and with real-time information on the move

Particular attention has now been paid to high-quality materials and accessibility at the first two stops of this kind. Sturdy wooden benches and handrails ensure comfort in everyday life. People with visual impairments can have the next departures announced at the touch of a button.

The latest figures demonstrate just how successfully the Smart City partnership has been implemented: more than 60 bus stops in Bonn have already been greened and provide shade. In addition, numerous bus stops have been fitted with digital passenger displays