In the first round, BURRI was able to impress in the multi-stage international competition thanks to a robust concept, a clear vision and good references, and in this way achieve the maximum rating. In this phase, BURRI proved that it has the necessary experience and expertise for the fulfilment of the demanding task – all of it in-house and from a single source. BURRI thus prequalified for the next phase alongside eight possible competitors.
In the second phase, it was necessary to provide evidence that BURRI could fulfil the comprehensive and demanding scope of services with the required batch sizes, time frames and budget. In addition to the design concept and description of the offered range of functions, there was also the task of compiling a binding quotation for the delivery of steles. Moreover, the client had placed an emphasis on innovative solutions for the display and distribution of real-time information at stopping points, and also stipulated high requirements with regard to appearance and functionality.
For the design component, BURRI worked with the Zurich-based design studio NOSE. NOSE has long stood for high-quality, intelligent, contemporary and functional design, and today they can look back over many years of experience in the design of vehicles and facilities for public transportation. The jointly developed modular stele kit demonstrates clearly how the two partners have mastered the subject from the ground up and have taken all considerations into account, from the overall conception of the product to the finest design details necessary for high-quality, life cycle optimised and enduring facilities at stopping points.
The modular stele building blocks that emerged from this process have been optimised down to the last detail and are in full compliance with the requirements of the Swiss Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities Act (BehiG). For this aspect of the project, BURRI teamed up with PRYO Consult from Zurich. Managing director Pascal Lippmann has been active in the field of public transport for many years and is considered one of the most prominent experts on the topic of the BehiG.
At an early stage, BURRI opted for a digital, smartphone-based solution for conveying target group-specific and in particular handicapped-friendly real-time information. This resulted in the SMARTstop digital app construction kit, which was completed by BURRI in collaboration with the Zurich-based company gotomo. Gotomo is a leader in research-based design and has a particular focus on mobile apps and custom applications. For the practical testing of the developed solution, BURRI and gotomo could count on the support of visually impaired persons as well as experts from the Swiss Central Association for the Blind (SZBLIND). In addition to the VBG, the SMARTstop app also impressed the expert jury of the Best of Swiss Apps Award 2021. The app received the Gold award in the “Innovation” category and achieved Silver and Bronze respectively in the categories of “User Experience / Usability” and “Functionality”.
BURRI qualified for the final phase thanks to its many years of experience in planning, building and maintaining stopping point infrastructure (German: Haltestelleninfrastruktur, HSI®) as well as its innovative approach to the smartphone app and a standout full-service solution proposal for the future delivery of the steles. From the eight prequalified companies, five went on to submit a binding offer. BURRI emerged as a leading candidate within this group and eventually qualified alongside another competitor for the subsequent prototype phase.
In the period between the second and third phase, the task was to plan and construct a fully functional prototype in keeping with the specifications and to assemble this at a stopping point along the 759 bus route, known in Dübendorf as the “Innovation Line”. This phase came to a close in October 2021 with an unveiling and media event. The prototype stele was in trial operation until the end of May 2022. At the closing jury session, a final decision will be made on the product that will serve passengers are the stopping points of the ZVV network area for many years to come.
