Stadtwerke Bonn, Germany

Stadtwerke Bonn (SWB), the public transport operator in Bonn, Germany, provides bus and tram services across the city with a strong commitment to sustainability and accessibility. As an operator, SWB continuously works to modernize its services to make public transport more reliable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly.

Accessibility and innovation are at the heart of SWB’s development strategy. Since 2019, SWB has been working on a project to improve real-time passenger information, ensuring that travellers have clear and reliable updates at bus and tram stops throughout the city.

Choosing the right solution

To identify the most suitable technology for future deployment, SWB initiated a pilot project in 2022, evaluating displays from several suppliers. Following the pilot, SWB completed a public procurement process, with Axentia awarded the contract based on the performance of its e-paper solution. The award marked the start of a large-scale rollout across the SWB network.

In preparation for the rollout, a team from Axentia visited Bonn to study the bus stops and infrastructure, ensuring the solution could be seamlessly adapted to local conditions.

Features supporting accessibility and sustainability

In 2023, the project began with the installation of 200 e-paper displays across Bonn. All displays were equipped with solar panels for sustainable, self-powered operation and text-to-speech buttons to ensure visually impaired passengers could easily access real-time information.

These features reflect SWB’s strong focus on barrier-free mobility, providing inclusive and environmentally friendly solutions for all travellers.

A successful partnership leading to expansion

The success of the first project was met with positive feedback from both SWB and passengers. Building on this achievement, SWB recently awarded Axentia a new contract to deliver about 420 additional e-paper displays.

This large-scale expansion confirms the strength of the partnership and demonstrates SWB’s commitment to making Bonn’s public transport system one of the most accessible and sustainable in Germany.