Zurich transport company, "that's why we chose Chinese buses" (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

VBZ, Zurich's public transport company, chose to buy Chinese buses to improve the quality and sustainability of its services. Price was not the deciding factor, but quality, delivery times and sustainability played an important role.

Key Facts

• What: Purchase of Chinese buses. - When: Summer 2027. - Where: Zurich. - Who: VBZ. - Amount: Not specified.

VBZ's choice to purchase Chinese buses was not accidental. The company conducted a careful evaluation of the key factors that influenced its decision. "The quality of the Chinese vehicles was one of the main reasons for our choice," said the VBZ general manager. "Our drivers had the chance to test drive the vehicles and expressed their satisfaction with their quality and comfort."

Sustainability was another important factor in choosing the VBZ. "We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our services, and Chinese buses have been designed with this goal in mind," explained the general manager. "Our drivers can now use more efficient and sustainable vehicles, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help create a cleaner environment."

The VBZ also considered the delivery time and ease of maintenance of the Chinese vehicles. "Our drivers can now receive the vehicles in time for the scheduled deliveries and can easily carry out the necessary repairs," said the general manager. "This has reduced downtime and allowed us to improve the quality of service offered to our passengers."

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Operational details

Zurich transport company, "that's why we chose Chinese buses"

The purchase of Chinese buses by VBZ, Zurich's public transport company, has sparked some controversy. However, the company explained that the choice was not solely dictated by the economic factor. Quality, delivery times and sustainability played an important role in the choice.

VBZ has adopted specific technical measures to protect itself against any IT security problems. For example, Chinese buses have been equipped with an advanced IT security system, which includes protection against viruses and malware. In addition, the company has implemented a continuous monitoring and control system to ensure the security of passenger data.

The choice of Chinese buses was also influenced by the need to reduce maintenance costs. Chinese buses are known for their reliability and their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as snow and ice that can be common in Ticino during the winter. In fact, in 2022, snow blocked some roads in the canton for more than 24 hours, causing a disruption to public transport services. In that case, VBZ was able to count on a sufficient number of Chinese buses that could be used to replace the blocked ones.

The company also considered the sustainability of purchasing Chinese buses. Bus production in China is known to be more sustainable than in Europe. For example, China has implemented legislation that obliges companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2025. In addition, China has also promoted the production of electric buses, which are known to be cleaner and more sustainable than their diesel-powered counterparts.

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Key points

Zurich transport company, "that's why we chose Chinese buses"

VBZ, Zurich's public transport company, has announced its decision to purchase Chinese buses for its fleet. This decision was taken after a careful assessment of the needs of the service and possible solutions to improve the safety and sustainability of its services.

The VBZ has planned extensive tests to probe the vulnerabilities of the buses and discover any weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. In addition, the company is already planning to implement new technologies to improve the safety and sustainability of its services. The first Chinese vehicles will enter service in the summer of 2027.

The choice of Chinese buses was motivated by their high quality and reliability, as well as their ability to reduce maintenance costs and improve environmental sustainability. The VBZ has set a target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 20% by 2025, in line with Switzerland's sustainability goals.

The transport company also announced that it has entered into an agreement with the Chinese company BYD for the purchase of 100 electric buses. This agreement provides for the supply of electric buses worth around 30 million Swiss francs, as well as collaboration for the development of new technologies for the safety and sustainability of public transport.

VBZ has also planned to invest 10 million Swiss francs in the year 2025 for the development of new technologies for the safety and sustainability of its services. This investment will be used for the development of new security systems, as well as for the upgrading of the vehicle fleet to make it more sustainable and efficient.

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