© dpa
Bus shelters are expected to provide greater safety and more information in the future.
© dpa
The "Bus Stop of the Future" also has a defibrillator for medical emergencies.
Just wait for the bus at the stop? According to the Berlin Public Transport Authority (BVG), the bus shelters of the future will offer many more functions.
Together with the outdoor advertising company Wall, the company unveiled an "innovative bus shelter" in Mitte, which is now set to undergo testing. "It combines new safety features, digital passenger information and additional services into a single concept," the BVG explained.
For example, the testing waiting area at the Spandauer Straße/Marienkirche stop near Alexanderplatz is equipped with a direct voice connection to the BVG's security control center. This means that passengers waiting there have a direct point of contact in the event of crimes or other incidents. In addition, the bus stop is equipped with a defibrillator to provide rapid assistance in medical emergencies. Passengers also have access to digital information on bus departure times - a feature already available at some stops today. Solar panels on the roof provide power for the lighting. The facility is further enhanced by USB charging stations and Wi-Fi.
According to CEO Henrik Falk, the BVG wants to work with passengers to determine which features offer real added value in everyday life and how bus stops can be further developed in the future. "We want our passengers to feel well-informed, well-oriented, and, above all, safe there." The test phase is expected to last several months. Passengers can share their opinions directly via a QR code at the stop, thereby providing input for potential future developments. Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) emphasized that the waiting shelter demonstrates that Berlin is a hub for innovation, creativity and modern public services. The goal is to improve safety and the availability of information for passengers.