immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Mobility

  • Glarus renews public transport

    Glarus renews public transport

    With the total revision of the Public Transport Act (öVG), the canton of Glarus is setting a strategic milestone. The new law comprehensively regulates the organization, planning and financing of public transport. The aim is to create a comprehensive, demand-oriented and legally clear mobility infrastructure that is central to the economic development and attractiveness of Glarus as a business location.

    The previous law from 1996 was no longer up to date. Changes in federal requirements, new regulations on compensation for regional passenger transport and technological developments required a fundamental revision. The Government Council therefore involved the Public Transport Commission at an early stage, whose recommendations have now largely been implemented.

    Clear responsibilities, clear perspectives
    One of the main aims of the revision is to clarify the often unclear responsibilities. All public transport matters are now clearly assigned to a competent authority. In future, the cantonal council will have comprehensive planning and management powers via a new public transport concept, which will serve as a strategic guiding document. The Government Council, in turn, can decide on adjustments within its financial competence. The public transport commission will remain in place as an advisory body.

    In future, the actual ordering of transport services will be the responsibility of the relevant department, which must be guided by the adopted public transport concept. The reorganization creates efficiency, transparency and a modern governance structure.

    Relief for municipalities and investment in mobility
    A fundamental system change concerns financing. The canton will now assume all public transport costs that are not borne by the federal government. This means that co-financing by the municipalities is no longer required, including for local and excursion traffic. This means an annual reduction in the burden on municipal coffers.

    At the same time, an important transport and settlement policy principle will be enshrined in law. All villages in the canton should remain accessible by public transport. In addition, the principle of a half-hourly service is assumed, with the possibility of defining exceptions in the public transport concept depending on the situation.

    Rethinking transport – opportunities for the future
    The new law takes account of changing mobility needs. New technologies, changes in leisure and work behavior and demand are fundamentally changing mobility behavior. Even if such services are not yet legally considered public transport, the new Public Transport Act provides scope for innovative developments and their possible integration into future strategies.

    The will to shape the development of Braunwald is particularly evident. Braunwald should continue to be accessible by funicular. Although this is not yet project approval, the direction has been set – a strong signal for tourism too.

    The law comes into force on January 1, 2026. Glarus is thus opening a new chapter in mobility policy. Clearly structured, sustainably financed and ready for the demands of the future.

  • STRABAG builds utility lines in Arbon

    STRABAG builds utility lines in Arbon

    The Schlieren-based construction company STRABAG AG is building new underground pipes in Arbon, according to a press release. According to the company’s press release, the service lines in Amriswilerstrasse and Egnacherstrasse in Arbon were in a state of serious disrepair. These service lines for water, electricity, gas and the Swisscom data cables are being completely renewed. A new rainwater drain will also be created as part of the work.

    According to STRABAG, the project is characterised by the cooperation between the municipality and the utility company. The construction costs will be borne jointly.

    According to STRABAG, the last renovation of the utility lines was decades ago. Surprises were therefore inevitable during the work. For example, the employees had to uncover power lines by hand. During the process, a mistake would have led to the power being switched off in the entire neighbourhood.

    At the same time, the traffic flow and the interests of neighbours had to be kept in mind. One junction leading to an agricultural machinery park was particularly tricky because there was no way to divert traffic there. However, Ivo Schlappritzi’s team found a solution and a complete closure was avoided without delaying the construction work.

    “Thanks to careful planning and close collaboration with Innoplan Bauingenieure AG, we were able to successfully overcome the challenges on this construction site. Together as a team, we ensured that the new utility lines could be handed over to the municipality of Arbon on schedule in autumn 2025,” said Schlappritzi, STRABAG construction manager for civil engineering and road construction in the Mittelland region.

    Innoplan Bauingenieure AG is an engineering office for structural and civil engineering based in Arbon.

  • Smart City Aarau Strategy 2034

    Smart City Aarau Strategy 2034

    With “Smart Aarau 2034”, the city is pursuing a forward-looking approach. The strategy does not rely on technological impetus alone, but sees digitalisation as a tool for solving complex challenges. The focus is on the needs of the population, cooperation between departments and resource-efficient implementation. Aarau is orientated towards the city’s existing development goals and integrates smart thinking into all urban projects.

    A methodological framework for real progress
    The change in strategy also means a rethink in terms of implementation. In future, projects will no longer be planned in secret, but developed in dialogue with those affected. A municipal team will provide methodical support to employees. From the initial idea to the actual tested project. Experience from the Smart City period to date shows that this approach is effective if it is applied consistently.

    Smart means networked and usable
    The new strategy puts an end to isolated islands of innovation. Instead, projects should be systemically conceived and networked across the city in future. The goal is a city that utilises its resources efficiently, can react to changes and introduces new solutions where they are actually needed. Digital tools will only be used if they contribute to quality of life or efficiency.

    Effectiveness instead of symbolic politics
    Aarau measures success not by the number of digital projects, but by their impact. The new strategic framework focuses on measurable progress. This applies to implementation, behaviour, awareness and everyday use. This makes smart thinking the new basis for urban development – comprehensible, user-centred and climate-friendly.

  • Spatial concept Switzerland without substance

    Spatial concept Switzerland without substance

    The revision of the Swiss Spatial Concept was intended to provide a strategic compass for spatial development up to 2050. However, the document presented in December 2024 does not adequately address key issues such as densification, infrastructure and conflicts of use. Yet the demand for intelligently utilised space, resilient infrastructure and sustainable solutions for growing cities and regions is more urgent than ever before.

    Densification remains unresolved
    The depiction of advanced inner-city development is at odds with reality. Replacement new builds, a key means of densified construction, are still fraught with uncertainties and hurdles. There is a lack of a pragmatic implementation concept that creates clear rules, facilitates investment and accelerates site development. This is an omission with consequences for housing construction and the competitiveness of urban areas.

    Transport is blocked instead of facilitated
    A further deficit can be seen in the transport infrastructure. The spatial concept neglects the need for efficient transport routes and promotes a conflict between road and rail. However, sustainable location development requires networked mobility strategies that fulfil both economic and social requirements.

    Without political backing, everything remains theory
    In addition to its substantive weaknesses, the concept lacks clear political legitimisation. Without broad-based governance structures, the paper will remain ineffective. The Swiss Federation of Master Builders has therefore submitted amendments and rejects the draft in its current form.

    Conclusion for the property industry
    If you want to develop locations and help shape Switzerland as an attractive place to live and do business, you need solid framework conditions and a realistic planning policy. The current spatial concept offers neither. It is time for a practice-orientated model that creates planning security, facilitates investment and strengthens the attractiveness of locations in the long term.

  • Zurich Stadelhofen is open to the public

    Zurich Stadelhofen is open to the public

    With 80,000 travellers a day, Zurich Stadelhofen is a central transport hub in the city. However, the three existing tracks are overloaded and limit the growth of the S-Bahn. The construction of a fourth track and an additional tunnel in the direction of Tiefenbrunnen will massively increase capacity. An expansion that will have an impact far beyond the city limits.

    More capacity, better connections
    The expansion should enable up to 50 per cent more train movements. It paves the way for a comprehensive quarter-hourly service throughout the entire Zurich S-Bahn network. An improvement that will benefit not only the city of Zurich but also the 6 neighbouring cantons. The project involves several sections, including a new main access, improved passages and additional platform access in the Kreuzbühl-/Mühlebachstrasse area.

    Ten years of construction and an investment of CHF 1.1 billion
    The project will take around ten years to complete. If everything runs smoothly and there are no objections, construction should start in the second half of the 2020s, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s. The estimated costs amount to around 1.1 billion Swiss francs. A significant but necessary step for a sustainable mobility infrastructure.

    Transparency and participation – project open to the public at
    The project will be open to the public in Zurich and Dübendorf from 14 May to 12 June 2025. The complete plans can be viewed in Zurich and those for the Zürichberg tunnel in Dübendorf. SBB specialists will be on hand to answer questions. A planned major expansion with room for dialogue.

  • Takeover strengthens charging infrastructure in the e-mobility market

    Takeover strengthens charging infrastructure in the e-mobility market

    AVIA VOLT Suisse AG acquires the charging infrastructure provider Plug’N Roll and expands its charging infrastructure by 2345 charging points. Plug’N Roll customers benefit from access to a Europe-wide network of over 850,000 charging points. Graubünden-based Repower AG, the previous owner of Plug’N Roll, is realigning its focus with Repower E-Mobility.

    According to a press release, AVIA VOLT is now reviewing Plug’N Roll’s contracts and business processes. Its 24,600 customers will be seamlessly integrated into the AVIA network. The takeover will enable integrated billing of electrical and fossil energy for Plug’N Roll fleet operators. According to the press release, AVIA VOLT’s system architecture offers compatibility with the software and hardware solutions of many manufacturers.

    AVIA VOLT, based in Frauenfeld, is a subsidiary of several Swiss AVIA companies. It sees the takeover as an important step towards establishing itself as a leading service provider in the field of electromobility. “For us, the takeover means a targeted strengthening of our position as a provider of reliable charging infrastructure in Switzerland,” said Martin Osterwalder, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AVIA VOLT.

    Plug’N Roll is the e-mobility division of Repower AG. The e-mobility provider has been developing charging infrastructure in public spaces, for company fleets and for real estate since 2012. The Plug’N Roll brand will be used by AVIA VOLT until the end of 2025. Three Plug’N Roll employees will be taken on by AVIA VOLT.

  • International platform for spatial planning

    International platform for spatial planning

    Under the motto “P:ITte all change ‘Space & Mobility’ integrated”, the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences hosted its 76th meeting from April 9 to 13, 2025. Around 150 students of urban, transport and spatial planning accepted the invitation to Rapperswil-Jona. The meeting, organized by dedicated Bachelor students, offered a platform for international exchange, networking and professional discussions about the future of spatial and transport planning.

    Professional impetus for the transport turnaround
    The focus was on the question of how mobility can be designed sustainably and dovetailed with urban development in a meaningful way. Using specific examples from the region, the participants examined the Bahnhofstrasse in Rapperswil and the function of transport hubs such as Jona railroad station. The interactive workshops and excursions made it clear that successful spatial planning requires integrated solutions that consider settlement and transportation as a unit.

    Networking across national borders
    The Planners’ Meeting is the most important conference for students of urban and spatial planning in German-speaking countries. Organized on a rotating basis by the student councils, the meeting offers further professional training and valuable international networking. The next meeting will take place at the TH Lübeck and the HCU Hamburg and will continue the discussion on sustainable spatial concepts.

  • Netherlands tests recycling train for sustainable road construction

    Netherlands tests recycling train for sustainable road construction

    Crushed stone, sand, gravel and petroleum-based bitumen in asphalt roads are the same materials that make up new roads. The only difference is that the asphalt has already been heated and laid.

    For this reason, Dutch officials from the Rijkswaterstaat infrastructure agency in Utrecht, part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, have invested in the Asphalt Recycling Train (ART or Asphalt Recycling Train). This is a vehicle-like machine that reuses old roads on site instead of tearing them up and disposing of them and then using new materials and thus emitting more carbon. This allows new asphalt to be laid in the same place.

    “With the ART, we can renew roads in a far more sustainable way,” Fredy Sierra-Fernandez, who is developing the ART at the ministry, is quoted as saying in a press release. “At the moment, we are testing a single machine to see how it performs in practice.”

    ART loosens the worn surface layer of roads, heats the old asphalt, picks up the melted material, stirs and mixes it and then applies the renewed asphalt back onto the road. The machine also compacts the road to create a smooth surface.

    Fernandez is now investigating how the roads behave after this process. Since June and from October last year, a provincial road in Gelderland in the east of the Netherlands and a section of the A2 highway have been monitored after the ART was used there.

    The road in Gelderland is in good condition. The section of the A2 highway is somewhat more worn, but still adequate. “We will continue until we are 100 percent satisfied,” says Fernandez. Tests in other regions are planned for April and May 2025.

    The Dutch government hopes to have three or four ARTs in operation across the country by 2030 to create a circular economy for asphalt.

    The ART was awarded the InfraTech Innovatieprijs 2025.

  • Mobile office brings coworking to the countryside and the water

    Mobile office brings coworking to the countryside and the water

    Coworking provider Westhive from Zurich and AMAG are jointly realising an idea for mobile working in modern vintage double-decker buses, according to a press release. These have been converted into express buses and transformed into mobile workstations with a coffee bar, WLAN and power connections.

    Interested parties can book the mobile office via the Airbnb platform. The innovative offer will initially be available in Switzerland and will later be expanded internationally as part of Airbnb’s “global Live & Work Anywhere programme”.

    “Westhive Express brings the office on wheels – mobile, flexible and everywhere where there was previously no coworking offer,” it says. According to Andreas Widmer, co-founder of Westhive, the form of work stands for “freedom and movement”.

    The Westhive Express bridges the gap between classic mobility and modern working culture with a concept that is reminiscent of outdoor cafés. “In front of the bus, small tables with parasols invite you to take a creative break in the countryside – be it on the lakeshore, at a festival or in a rural community,” it says.

    For Philipp Wetzel, Managing Director AMAG Corporate Development, Innovation & Venture LAB, quoted in the press release, mobility, hospitality and productive work are combined as a “logical development of the digital lifestyle”.

    According to the press release, the first Westhive express bus will soon set off on its maiden voyage. Further mobile units are being planned.

  • New major orders strengthen infrastructure projects in the DACH region

    New major orders strengthen infrastructure projects in the DACH region

    Implenia AG is to carry out several contracts in Switzerland, Germany and Austria in the data center, energy and transport infrastructure and healthcare sectors. The total volume of the projects amounts to over 150 million Swiss francs, the construction and real estate company based in the Glattpark district of Opfikon announced in a press release. They are also “in line with the Group’s strategic focus on large and challenging projects and its sector-oriented specialization in areas with high demand”.

    In Germany, Implenia is involved in the construction of the new Heidekreis Clinic in Bad Fallingbostel. Implenia Fassadenbau will be supplying the façade. In Austria, the Group and two partner companies have been awarded the main construction lot for the Imst-Haiming hydroelectric power station. It includes a 14-kilometer-long headrace, the cavern and the underwater basin for the power plant on the Inn.

    The other orders are for projects in Switzerland. Implenia will build another high-performance data center for data center provider Green on the Zurich West metro campus in Lupfig. In Basel, Implenia is part of the USB K2 consortium, which has been commissioned by Basel University Hospital to carry out the construction work for the new Clinic 2 building. Implenia is also working with partner companies to build a new streetcar line in the canton of Geneva. The Group is renovating the Hagenholz tunnel in the canton of Zurich for SBB. The Federal Roads Office has entrusted Implenia with the redesign of the Versoix junction in Bellevue GE.

  • Zurich plans next-generation mobility

    Zurich plans next-generation mobility

    The Government Council of the Canton of Zurich has approved the new fifth-generation agglomeration programmes. They are a key instrument for supporting the rapid growth of cities and municipalities with an efficient, sustainable and future-oriented transport infrastructure. The programmes make it possible to better coordinate settlement and transport development and create the conditions for the federal government to contribute between 30 and 50 percent of the investment costs.

    The approximately 350 planned measures are spread across five agglomeration areas in which targeted work is being carried out to improve mobility. In the Zurich-Glattal region, the focus is on the expansion of transfer stations into efficient transport hubs and on the further development of the cycle network in accordance with the cantonal cycle plan and the city of Zurich’s cycle strategy. In the Winterthur region, public transport, walking and cycling services are to be strengthened in order to absorb the increasing volume of traffic in an urban-friendly manner. At the same time, the electrification of bus transport is being driven forward.

    With the “Unterland-Furttal” programme, a joint contribution from the Zurich Unterland and Furttal planning regions is being submitted for the first time. The focus here is on designing road spaces in a way that is compatible with residential areas and improving the quality of life. In the Zurich Oberland, on the other hand, the aim is to improve accessibility to regional centres such as Uster, Wetzikon, Pfäffikon and Hinwil. Here too, roads are to be upgraded in a targeted manner, junctions strengthened and public transport electrified.

    Particular attention is being paid to the Limmat Valley, where the canton of Zurich has submitted a comprehensive programme together with the canton of Aargau. The programme focuses on the further development of transfer points and the electrification of public bus transport. At the same time, over twenty measures are intended to facilitate the development of high-quality residential and open spaces.

    Review with impact
    Since the first submission in 2007, the canton of Zurich has achieved impressive results with its agglomeration programmes. Since then, the federal government has awarded contributions totalling over CHF 1.5 billion. This has not only enabled the realisation of major projects such as the Hardbrücke tram or the Limmattalbahn, but also numerous smaller measures to promote pedestrian and bicycle traffic and to upgrade street areas. The programmes are based on central cantonal planning principles, including the 2018 overall transport concept, the S-Bahn 2G concept, the bicycle network plan and the pedestrian transport action plan.

    Shared responsibility for a mobile future
    The AP5 programmes were developed in close consultation with municipalities, regions and other partners. The cantonal government has now officially adopted the programmes and assumed sponsorship. By submitting the programmes to the federal government, Zurich is sending a strong signal in favour of coordinated and sustainable spatial and transport planning – supported by a broad consensus and the will to actively shape change.

  • SBB continues to develop Basel

    SBB continues to develop Basel

    With the “Wolf Basel” project, SBB is transforming a 160,000 square metre site in the east of the city into a lively, sustainable urban quarter. The transformation is exemplary for the intelligent densification of urban spaces. Living, working, leisure and logistics are to coexist here in a new form that conserves resources, is sustainable and integrated into the existing urban structure.

    Construction work on the western part of the site will start in 2027. SBB has sought and found top architectural and functional solutions in two competitions. The jury, consisting of independent experts and representatives of the client and the Canton of Basel-Stadt, has now recommended the projects “Janus” by ARGE Experience from Paris with M-AP Architects from Lausanne and “Binaria” by ARGE Parabase GmbH and Confirm AG from Basel for realisation. The two new ten-storey buildings will offer around 300 flats and set standards in terms of sustainability, quality of living and architectural integration.

    Sustainability meets urban innovation
    The planned residential buildings reflect the changes in urban development. The flats are designed for different lifestyles, and communal areas in the ground floor zones promote social interaction. The roofs not only serve as a source of energy through photovoltaics, but also as water reservoirs and in some cases as accessible recreational areas. Photovoltaic elements on the façades, greenery, renewable heating systems and sophisticated systems for cooling in summer are all part of a comprehensive energy concept.

    The project also sets new standards in terms of construction. Screw connections replace adhesive joints, modular structures allow for later conversion or dismantling, making design for disassembly a reality. Wolf Basel thus presents itself not only as an urban development model, but also as a technical model for the future.

    Identity is created through dialogue
    Even before construction begins, the site will be opened up for interim uses, experiments and participation. A historic railway hall has recently been used as a temporary pickleball court, bringing movement to the centre of the development area. In addition, various spaces are available for longer-term uses in the areas of culture, leisure and catering. SBB is calling on people to submit creative ideas and play an active role in shaping the future neighbourhood.

    The opening is more than just a gesture, it is part of a strategy in which urban development is understood as a participatory process. This creates an emotional bond with the neighbourhood and its future identity at an early stage.

    Staged construction with vision
    Construction of Wolf Basel is scheduled to start in 2027. In the first phase, the residential buildings will be built in the western part of the site, including a third in the affordable segment by non-profit property developers. At the same time, the Urban Hub, a public space offering catering, sport, culture and services, will be developed in the middle section. In a second phase, expected from 2031, commercial and service buildings with around 1,000 workplaces will follow in the eastern section.

    The entire project is based on the legally binding development plan dated 2 May 2023 and is an example of the high-quality development of inner-city potential areas in Switzerland.

  • Airport plans expansion to improve service quality

    Airport plans expansion to improve service quality

    EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg has selected the winning project and construction management for the extension and expansion of its terminal. According to a press release, it has commissioned a French-Swiss team for the project, consisting of the Basel-based companies Vischer Architekten AG and Gruner AG as well as the French companies DRLW Architectes, Egis BâtimentNordEstand LAP’S.

    The Evolution Modulaire du Terminal project involves the renovation and expansion of EuroAirport’s publicly accessible infrastructure. The main aim of the project is to improve the quality of service for passengers. The work will focus on security checks and passenger routing. The first Landside module, with construction scheduled to start in 2027, will comprise an extension to the east façade of the terminal with an area of around 14,000 square metres and the renovation of the existing terminal with an area of 15,000 square metres.

    Completion of the building is scheduled for 2030/31. Until then, the airport intends to implement further measures to improve service quality by 2026. These include, for example, the already completed renovation of the arrivals area and the planned renovation of the sanitary facilities.

  • 3D data platform optimizes transport and infrastructure projects

    3D data platform optimizes transport and infrastructure projects

    INovitas AG, based in Baden, and Geoinfra Ingenieure AG, based in Wetzikon, have created a digital twin of the road network in the Zurich Oberland. According to a joint press release, around 800 kilometers of roads will be available in the high-resolution infra3D data platform. Interested user groups can license the data with immediate effect and use it for their planning and decision-making processes, according to the press release.

    The two companies have mapped the road networks of the municipalities of Bäretswil, Bauma, Bubikon, Dürnten, Fehraltorf, Fischenthal, Gossau, Greifensee, Grüningen, Hittnau, Hombrechtikon, Männedorf, Mönchaltorf, Oetwil a.S., Russikon, Rüti, Seegräben, Stäfa, Uetikon a. S, Wald, Wetzikon, Wila and Wildberg are digitized. The project provides the Zurich Oberland region with a precise and up-to-date basis for traffic, urban and spatial planning. This means that data-based simulations can be improved and on-site inspections can be reduced.

    “Data is the basis for well-founded decisions”, comments Hannes Eugster, CEO and founder of iNovitas AG, in the press release. “With the digital mapping of the Zurich Oberland region, we are providing a precise and immediately available database that can be used by a wide range of stakeholders – whether for transport planning, infrastructure projects or urban development.”

    Patrick König, member of the management board of Geoinfra Ingenieure AG, emphasizes the importance of the digital project: “Access to georeferenced, high-resolution 3D data represents a paradigm shift for infrastructure planning. Our collaboration with iNovitas enables administrations and companies in the Zurich Oberland region to benefit from data-driven, efficient and sustainable planning”.

  • New railway line in Sweden takes shape

    New railway line in Sweden takes shape

    Construction services provider Implenia has been awarded the contract for the first construction phase of the new East Link railway line by the Swedish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Trafikverket). According to a press release, the project is worth CHF 130 million. Implenia will build the 8-kilometre section of the Bibana Nyköping line by 2031.

    This is a section that connects the centres of Skavsta and Nyköping with the main route of East Link. East Link connects several coastal towns in eastern Sweden with Stockholm. Implenia’s contract includes bridges, railway tracks, refurbishment of existing buildings and other work.

    According to Erwin Scherer, Head Division Civil Engineering, Implenia is helping to “take the mobility infrastructure in eastern Sweden to a new level”.

  • Cham-Hünenberg bypass

    Cham-Hünenberg bypass

    The Cham-Hünenberg bypass (UCH) is more than just a new road. It is the last big piece of the puzzle in the transport planning of the Canton of Zug, which not only serves to bundle transit traffic, but also to free the centre of Cham from through traffic. This ambitious project, which is being implemented by the Canton of Zug’s Department of Construction in collaboration with the Ennetsee municipalities, aims to enhance living and economic areas and improve mobility for all road users.

    Construction and location
    Construction of the UCH has already begun and is scheduled for completion in 2027. The route runs predominantly parallel to the A4 motorway, which allows for minimal land consumption and efficient use of space. This aspect is particularly important in order not to jeopardise the planned settlement and landscape development in the Ennetsee municipalities.

    Tunnelling and construction work
    The main work on the Städtlerwald road tunnel began in March 2024 with the construction of the pumping stations and settling basins. The tunnel operations centre is also being built, while the pre-cut for the Stumpen tunnel portal is being constructed in parallel. The tunnel itself will have a total length of 543 metres, the majority of which will be created underground using a roadheader.

    Progress of the preliminary work
    Preliminary construction work has been taking place along the future UCH route since 2022 and has now been completed. The first ground works along the western UCH perimeter and neighbouring N4 national roads are already in full swing. Neighbouring woodland areas have already been cleared, with the standing tree trunks being handed over to the hydraulic engineering department for later projects.

    A benefit for all road users
    The Cham-Hünenberg bypass not only promises improvements for road traffic, but also positive effects on the quality of life of local residents. By relieving the congestion in the villages of Cham and Hünenberg, a quieter and safer living environment will be created, offering space for additional leisure and recreational activities. The improved transport links will also encourage companies to settle in the region, which in turn will strengthen Zug as a business location.

  • Research into the mobility of tomorrow at UZH

    Research into the mobility of tomorrow at UZH

    Mobility is a fundamental social need and is subject to constant change. New technologies, alternative means of transport and political regulations are changing the way people get around. While public transport is the subject of intensive research, there has been a lack of comprehensive research into individual mobility to date. This gap is now to be closed by the newly founded research centre at UZH.

    Research with an interdisciplinary approach
    The “UZH Centre for the Future of Personal Mobility” investigates economic, ecological and social aspects of mobility. The focus is on topics such as climate policy, new drive technologies, digital networking and the future of charging and refuelling infrastructure. The centre also analyses the change in vehicle ownership and the role of autonomous vehicles, sharing models and app-based mobility services.

    Cooperation across disciplinary boundaries
    The centre will be based at the Institute of Business Administration in the Faculty of Economics and will cooperate closely with other disciplines. In addition to economics, geography, psychology, ethics and digital technologies will be involved in the research. The aim is to analyse mobility from a holistic perspective and translate scientific findings into practical solutions.

    Structure and development of the research centre
    At the heart of the centre is a professorship focusing on “Personal Mobility Management and Innovation”, which is scheduled to be filled in the second quarter of 2025. The professorship will be complemented by four doctoral positions and one postdoc position. The centre will be established gradually and integrated into UZH’s existing research structures.

    Scientific foundations for the mobility of the future
    By establishing the research centre, UZH is making an important contribution to shaping the mobility of tomorrow. Through interdisciplinary research and close collaboration with partners from science and practice, innovative solutions are to be developed that promote sustainable and efficient forms of mobility.

  • Rosengarten tunnel and Casino bridge in Brugg to be renovated

    Rosengarten tunnel and Casino bridge in Brugg to be renovated

    The Rosengarten tunnel and the Casino bridge in Brugg are being renovated. According to a press release from the Canton of Aargau, the two structures are to be upgraded so that they can be used for the next 50 years. The cantonal government has approved a loan of CHF 13.6 million for both construction projects.

    The refurbishment will start in 2027 at the earliest. Prior to this, the project submission, approval procedure, land acquisition, tendering and awarding of work must be completed. The work is expected to take a year. The Brugg central bypass with the 205 metre-long Rosengarten tunnel was opened in 1981. The Casino Bridge was built in 1980 and carries the K117 over the River Aare.

    According to a statement from the Department of Construction, Transport and Environment, the supporting structure of the tunnel is intact. However, the tunnel must be adapted to meet current safety requirements. The tunnel walls, fire protection and environmental protection are to be improved, as are the tunnel safety systems. In addition, the control centre at the north portal will be expanded and the operating and safety systems will be brought up to current standards.

    The bridge surface on the Casino Bridge has reached the end of its service life. The kerbstones, the waterproofing and the mastic asphalt covering of the carriageway and pavement will therefore be replaced, according to the press release. Defects in the bridge structure, abutment boxes and piers will be repaired. The corrosion protection will be renewed on the bearings, shaft gratings and railings, among other things. The expansion profiles of the carriageway expansion joints will also be replaced.

    The costs for the repair of the Rosengarten tunnel and the Casino bridge will be borne by the canton.

  • Renovation of Grütstrasse in Gossau for greater safety and noise protection

    Renovation of Grütstrasse in Gossau for greater safety and noise protection

    The Schlieren-based construction company STRABAG is renovating Grütstrasse in Gossau, according to a press release. The road, which is described as an important transport link, shows signs of damage to the carriageway. The road is now being renovated in order to modernise the infrastructure and improve road safety. “A central component of the measures is the structural redesign to increase safety for cyclists and pedestrians,” it continues. In addition, traffic noise is to be reduced with new 30 km/h zones. Completion is planned for the end of 2026.

    In addition to the renovation of the road surface, the project also includes other extensive work. The Gossauerbach stream, which runs under the greenway, will be upgraded to make it flood-proof. STRABAG is also renewing combined water pipes and drinking water pipes. Energy and shaft systems are being modernised and the infrastructure required for telecommunications is being expanded.

    “The renovation will provide the people of Gossau and all road users with greater road safety, modern infrastructure and improved flood protection,” says Remo Hürlimann, head of the construction department of the municipality of Gossau.

  • More and more households are storing electricity

    More and more households are storing electricity

    The demand for electricity storage systems in Germany and Switzerland is growing rapidly. More and more households with photovoltaic systems are opting for battery storage systems to store surplus energy. According to the German Solar Industry Association, around 580,000 new home storage systems were installed in 2024, bringing the total number to around 1.8 million.

    One of the main reasons for this development is the ability to use self-generated solar power more efficiently. Without storage, only around 20 % of the electricity generated is consumed directly. With a battery storage system, self-consumption increases to up to 80 %, which reduces electricity costs in the long term.

    Economic and technical aspects
    The cost of battery storage systems has fallen by 75 % in the last ten years. A typical system with a capacity of 10 kWh costs between 7,000 and 12,000 euros. The cost-effectiveness depends on the size of the solar system, the self-consumption rate and the electricity prices. Subsidy programmes can also make the investment more attractive.

    A storage system usually amortises after 10 to 15 years. Modern lithium-ion batteries last around 15 to 20 years, which justifies the investment in the long term.

    Benefits for electromobility and the energy system
    Battery storage systems also support electromobility. Electric car owners can charge their vehicles with their own solar power, which is particularly beneficial at night. This flexibility helps to stabilise the electricity grid and promotes the integration of renewable energies.

    Large energy suppliers recognise the potential of home storage systems to ensure security of supply and stabilise energy prices. In the long term, they could also be used to support the grid in order to reduce grid costs.

    Continuous increase in electricity storage
    In Switzerland, the number of households with electricity storage systems is rising steadily. At the end of 2023, the installed storage capacity was 607,000 kWh, which is enough to supply 65,000 households with electricity for a day. The desire for increased self-sufficiency is driving this development.

    An investment in the future
    Battery storage systems offer numerous advantages for households and the entire energy system. They increase self-consumption of solar power, reduce electricity costs and support electromobility. With falling prices and increasing subsidies, investing in a battery storage system is becoming more and more attractive.

  • Zurich Airport region sets up an advisory board for sustainability

    Zurich Airport region sets up an advisory board for sustainability

    The FRZ Zurich Airport Region is strengthening its commitment to sustainability. It founded a sustainability advisory board on 6 February, the business network announced in a press release. “Sustainability is not a trend, but a decisive success factor for companies and society,” it says, explaining the background to the decision.

    The new advisory board will act as a “leading competence centre” for sustainable innovations in the region. Specifically, its aim is to support companies, cities and municipalities in the introduction of sustainable business models. To this end, best practices are to be promoted and stakeholders from business, science and politics are to be brought together.

    The tasks of the new advisory board will also include the presentation of the FRZ Excellence Award. Each year, it will recognise outstanding achievements in ecology, social responsibility and innovation by member companies of the FRZ Zurich Airport Region.

    The members of the Sustainability Advisory Board include Mario Angst from the University of Zurich, Willi Gärtner from Planzer, Thomas Meier from the Swiss Safety Centre and the former Managing Director of the Greater Zurich Area, Sonja Wollkopf. In total, four women and nine men from business, science and politics are represented on the advisory board. The full list of members, including links to their LinkedIn profiles, can be found in the press release from the FRZ Zurich Airport Region.

  • Research into the preservation of bridges using artificial intelligence

    Research into the preservation of bridges using artificial intelligence

    Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) are researching ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to optimise the maintenance, repair and construction of railway bridges. In collaboration with SBB, researchers at the Institute of Structural Analysis and Design are creating AI models of reinforced concrete bridges, according to a press release. With the help of large data sets, the machine learning programmes will provide information on the durability and service life of the bridges and assess which structure would be in a critical structural condition.

    “In Switzerland, too, a considerable proportion of infrastructure structures are approaching the end of their planned service life and need to be reviewed and, if necessary, reinforced,” said Sophia Kuhn, PhD student and member of the research group, in the press release. “We are developing a tool that helps to keep bridges in operation for as long as possible and thus conserve resources without taking disproportionate risks of accidents.”

    The models not only provide information on structural safety, but also deliver more precise data than conventional data acquisition for analysing stability. This should save engineers both time and resources in the maintenance of bridges.

    In a further step, the AI assistants developed by the research team will also help with the design of new bridges.

  • New fast-charging stations for better electromobility in western Switzerland

    New fast-charging stations for better electromobility in western Switzerland

    The Europe-wide fast charging station specialist Electra and the property asset manager Procimmo from Renens are working together to expand the charging infrastructure in French-speaking Switzerland. The two companies have started a corresponding collaboration, Electra announced in a press release. As a first step, two fast-charging stations will be installed in Aubonne VD and Gland VD.

    The fast-charging station in the Outlet Aubonne shopping centre is being implemented by the Procimmo Real Estate SICAV – Industrial fund. The Procimmo Real Estate SICAV – Commercial PK fund is responsible for the fast-charging station at the Gland BackStage Pub in Gland. The first two charging points have been in operation since December 2024, with two more to follow this quarter.

    Electra, based in Paris, is represented in Switzerland by Electra Charging Switzerland AG in Zurich. Together with Procimmo, “we can network Western Switzerland even better and thus upgrade important and central locations with charging stations”, says Alessandro Inderbitzin, General Manager Electra Switzerland & Austria, in the press release. Procimmo CEO Arno Kneubühler, for his part, sees the collaboration with the specialist for fast-charging stations “as a significant step towards expanding and complementing our portfolio with Electra’s strong services”. With their partnership, the two companies want to respond to the increasing demand for fast-charging stations in Switzerland. For Procimmo, the commitment also represents a contribution to an electrified Switzerland.

  • Test planning for urban space at Winterthur railway station

    Test planning for urban space at Winterthur railway station

    The city of Winterthur and SBB developed the “Winterthur 2045” railway station expansion concept between 2019 and 2021. A new Vogelsang Nord terminus station was identified as the preferred solution to cope with increasing passenger volumes. At the same time, the platforms of the existing seven through tracks are to be widened.

    With these changes, the urban space around the station must also be rethought. Test planning is to analyse the potential and challenges and develop an overall strategy for the area around the station.

    Testplanning as the basis for a new master plan
    The test planning focuses on the areas of Bahnhofplatz and St. Georgenplatz, Rudolfstrasse and the southern railway station subway. The aim is to develop an overall urban development and transport strategy.

    • Quality of stay and climate adaptation in public spaces
    • Reorganisation of bus stops for better traffic routing
    • Optimisation of pedestrian and bicycle traffic
    • Categorisation of other modes of transport

    The area of the future Vogelsang Nord terminus station is excluded from this planning and will be dealt with separately.

    Involvement of the population and interest groups
    In order to ensure broad acceptance and viability of the solutions, the test planning is accompanied by a participatory process. Around 40 neighbourhood organisations, interest groups, political representatives and landowners will be actively involved in the design and discussion of the interim results.

    An electronic participation portal and participatory events are planned for the wider population. An initial echo chamber was held in February 2024 to clarify the planning brief.


    Starting signal for the new planning in 2025
    The City Council has approved a loan of CHF 780,000 to carry out the test planning. The planning will start in 2025 and is expected to last until 2026. It will form the basis for a new masterplan for the railway station urban space.

    The first masterplan has almost been implemented
    The first masterplan for Winterthur’s main railway station was developed back in 2009. Many measures from this were realised, including the redesign of the bus station with a mushroom roof, the northern pedestrian subway, new bicycle stations and the Neuwiesen traffic concept. The final work on the western side of the station should be completed by summer 2025.

    With the new test planning for the station urban space, Winterthur is now setting the course for the coming decades. The aim is to create a modern, sustainable and functional urban space.

  • Preparations begin for harbour railway relocation in Basel

    Preparations begin for harbour railway relocation in Basel

    The city of Basel is planning a large-scale transformation of the Klybeck and Westquai areas. Living and working space for around 8,000 people is to be created there, complemented by green and open spaces. In order to better connect the neighbourhoods to the Rhine and the meadow, the existing harbour railway will have to be removed.

    The Grand Council approved a loan of CHF 36 million for this in June 2024. These funds will be used to relocate the harbour railway and other infrastructure facilities, including the customs metering station of Gasverbund Mittelland AG (GVM).

    Replacement construction of the customs metering station as the first step
    The first step will be to relocate the customs metering station, which feeds the regional gas network, to a new site in the Lange Erlen near Freiburgerstrasse. Construction work will begin in March 2025 and should be completed by the end of 2026. As the construction of a high-pressure gas pipeline in a residential area is not permitted, this location was chosen as the only solution that could be authorised.

    Special protective measures apply to the existing trees and the water protection zones. Any necessary tree felling will be compensated for by reforestation and replacement areas.

    Construction site coordination to minimise disruption
    Other major projects are being carried out in the surrounding area in parallel with the construction of the new customs measuring station. Deutsche Bahn is building a new Wiesenbrücke bridge, while the Basel-Stadt civil engineering office is working with IWB to renovate Freiburgerstrasse. All the work is being closely coordinated in order to clearly signal diversions for traffic and minimise disruption.

    With these measures, Basel-Stadt is taking an important step towards sustainable urban development and creating the basis for new, liveable neighbourhoods on the waterfront.

  • Government council rejects airport night-time quiet initiative

    Government council rejects airport night-time quiet initiative

    The popular initiative “Airport night-time quiet initiative” calls for a statutory night-time quiet period from 11.00 pm to 6.00 am at Zurich Airport. The Government Council rejects the initiative as it contravenes federal law and creates legal uncertainty. Legislation on aviation is the sole responsibility of the federal government, which has already conclusively regulated night flight regulations.

    A literal implementation of the initiative would raise unrealisable expectations without noticeably reducing the actual noise pollution. The cantonal government emphasises that existing regulations already exhaust the maximum scope of cantonal law.

    Focus on reducing aircraft movements after 11.00 p.m.
    Despite rejecting the initiative, the cantonal government supports measures to promote a peaceful night’s sleep. For example, operational improvements and an optimised airport infrastructure should help to reduce flight movements after 11.00 p.m. The runway extensions approved by the Zurich electorate in 2024 are a key step towards increasing the punctuality and efficiency of the airport.

    In addition, technological advances will further reduce noise pollution. New, quieter aircraft should improve protection for local residents in the long term.

    Securing the business location and international connections
    Zurich Airport is indispensable for the economic strength of the canton. As Switzerland’s only intercontinental hub, it provides daily direct connections to major international cities, which are essential for businesses and the population alike.

    The airport’s competitiveness depends on its operating hours. These have already been reduced by two hours over the last 20 years. Carmen Walker Späh, Director of Economic Affairs, emphasises that the existing regulation represents a balanced compromise between noise protection and the requirements of businesses and travellers.

    With this approach, the cantonal government aims to safeguard the quality of life of local residents and strengthen the economic future of the canton.

  • Start of construction for the Bern West performance upgrade

    Start of construction for the Bern West performance upgrade

    SBB, in cooperation with the City of Bern and BLS, is launching one of the region’s most important infrastructure projects, the “Bern West performance upgrade”. The aim is to make the Bern railway junction more flexible, more stable and more efficient. The major project comprises five sub-projects, including the new Holligentunnel, the Europaplatz Nord railway station and the Steigerhubel overpass.

    A milestone for the Bern railway junction
    A particular focus is on improving regional transport. The new Holligen tunnel will allow regional trains to run without crossings, enabling stable and more frequent connections, such as the quarter-hourly service between Münsingen and Flamatt. The urban Europaplatz neighbourhood will also have a direct connection to public transport thanks to the new station and a larger subway.

    Challenges for travellers and residents
    Rail operations will be maintained during the construction period, which will last until at least 2036. Nevertheless, travellers will have to be prepared for timetable changes and replacement buses. Stöckacker station will close in December 2025 and will be replaced by tram line 8 until Europaplatz Nord opens in 2027.

    For local residents, the work will result in restrictions due to construction noise, dust and logistics traffic. However, the builders promise to minimise emissions as far as possible and to carry out replacement planting for felled trees.

    Sustainable future and financing
    The total cost of the project is around 900 million Swiss francs and will be financed by the federal government’s 2025 expansion programme. The new pedestrian subway at Europaplatz Nord, a contribution from the City of Bern, will be covered by a framework credit of CHF 60 million.

    With the completion of the “Bern West performance upgrade”, Bern’s railway infrastructure will meet the requirements of modern, sustainable mobility – a benefit for the entire region.

  • Automated public transport starts in the Furttal valley

    Automated public transport starts in the Furttal valley

    The canton of Zurich and SBB have jointly initiated a pilot project that uses automated vehicles to supplement existing public transport. The focus is on trialling automated mobility solutions designed to improve access to S-Bahn stops in a flexible and cost-effective manner, particularly in rural areas.

    Pilot region Furttal
    The Furttal was selected as a pilot region due to its ideal settlement structure and existing public transport network. The population is to benefit from an expanded mobility offer, which will include minibuses in regular service or on-demand at a later stage. The aim is to gain practical insights for future business models and framework conditions.

    Focus on safety and innovation
    The automated vehicles, which will be tested from spring 2025, are equipped with sensors and are monitored centrally. Safety is the top priority: during the test phase, safety drivers will accompany the vehicles before the controls are fully automated.

    Next steps and funding
    In the coming months, the technology will undergo final calibration to ensure safe operation. The population of the Furttal valley will be actively involved in the project and will be able to gain initial insights at an information event in January. The project is being financed by the Canton of Zurich with CHF 3.8 million and SBB with CHF 5 million over five years. The pilot project is an important step towards innovative and sustainable public transport. With its focus on rural regions and new forms of mobility, it sets standards for the future of public transport in Switzerland.

  • Schaffhausen renews its Bahnhofstrasse

    Schaffhausen renews its Bahnhofstrasse

    Bahnhofstrasse in Schaffhausen is being modernised as part of a one-year construction project. The aim is to create a spacious and clearly laid out street that optimises traffic flow and increases safety for all road users.

    Optimisation of the traffic infrastructure
    Bahnhofstrasse is a central traffic junction in Schaffhausen. The renovation measures will renew the road surface in order to improve road safety and utilise public spaces more efficiently. At the same time, the space for pedestrians and passengers will be increased, making it easier to get on and off the train.

    Charging stations for electric buses have already been installed in advance of the refurbishment in order to make public transport in Schaffhausen more sustainable. The current work will not only upgrade the functionality of Bahnhofstrasse, but also reposition it as an inviting arrival and meeting point.

    Accessibility and adaptations
    Accessibility is a key concern for the city. The bus stops will be equipped with higher kerbs to ensure barrier-free access for people with disabilities. These measures were developed in close consultation with disability organisations and ensure that Bahnhofstrasse complies with current legal requirements.

  • Overall transport concept 2040 for the Baden area

    Overall transport concept 2040 for the Baden area

    Following an intensive planning and participation process from 2022 to 2024, the delegation of authorities has adopted an overall transport concept that aims to sustainably improve mobility in the Baden region. The range of measures with a time horizon of 2040 includes the expansion of public transport with bus priority and optimised junctions.

    For pedestrians and cyclists, the cycle network will be expanded and additional bicycle parking spaces created. In terms of the road network, short-term measures are planned for the eastern bridgehead and improvements along Bruggerstrasse in Baden. At the same time, the upgrading of local thoroughfares and the strengthening of neighbourhoods as a “city of short distances” should promote urban and open spaces. In addition, transport demand is to be better controlled by municipalities and the canton through targeted mobility management. Long-term options for the period after 2040 were also considered.

    In addition to the short-term measures, options for the period after 2040 were also discussed. These include securing routes for important public transport corridors and possible measures for the eastern bridgehead.

    Centre relief as a central component
    The “ZEL long” variant, a road relief option with a bypass around Untersiggenthal, was also decided as a long-term option. The implementation of this variant is to be examined as soon as the impact assessment of the initial measures indicates a need.

    Participation and broad consensus
    The concept was developed in a participatory process that included mobility conferences, online participations and support group meetings. The broad involvement of municipalities, experts and the population led to a consensus-based package of measures that is now to be implemented step by step.

    With the adopted overall transport concept 2040, the Baden region is laying the foundations for sustainable and future-oriented mobility development. The coordinated measures promote public transport, non-motorised traffic and the quality of life of the population and offer a clear perspective for the coming decades.