The Future of Berlin’s Mobility: BVG’s Innovative Strategies and Technologies

ANTONICS and LAT: Leaders of the Mobility Transition in Berlin

In partnership with LAT, ANTONICS actively contributes to advancing the transportation landscape in Berlin through its highly innovative antennas. LAT, a second-generation German family-owned enterprise established in Berlin in 1969, is currently run by sisters Larissa Zeichhardt and Arabella Latenser. Offering diverse services and products encompassing special foundation engineering, security technology, and public transportation, LAT integrates ANTONICS antennas into its public transport projects. The sisters are committed to leading the company sustainably and continually enhancing service quality, focusing on customer satisfaction. These principles have led BVG to become a long-term partner of LAT, benefiting from their successful collaboration.

The Future of Berlin’s Mobility: BVG’s Innovative Strategies and Technologies

As Germany’s largest public transportation company, BVG faces the challenge of implementing innovative strategies and adopting modern technologies to meet the ecological and social demands of future mobility. With a team of over 15,830 employees from over 80 nations and a comprehensive range of subway, tram, bus, and ferry services, BVG transports nearly one billion passengers annually across Berlin. Their primary objective is to operate reliably and innovatively, while remaining adaptable to the evolving needs of a growing urban center and ensuring accessibility to mobility for all residents. Consequently, BVG is actively investing in the renewal and expansion of its fleet to ensure the continued provision of a dependable and efficient public transportation system for the future.

ANTONICS Multiband Antennas: Innovation for the BVG Fleet

To address technical modernisation, ANTONICS Multiband antennas emerged as the ideal solution. Nearly 3000 antennas have been integrated into bus, subway, and tram fleets. These ultra-slim antennas now facilitate thanks to MIMO 5G passenger Wi-Fi access in all newly equipped bus vehicles. Furthermore, the ultra-flat antennas integrate communication bands such as 5G, WLAN, GNSS, and Tetra, facilitating vehicle tracking and communication with the driver-control center through a single compact antenna unit. BVG’s bus network, with nearly 1,600 buses covering over 1,800 kilometers, holds immense significance. BVG is increasingly transitioning to electric buses to achieve a fully emission-free fleet by 2030. Thanks to ANTONICS and LAT, the bus fleet has already undergone successful digitalisation.

"The digital evolution of buses through the integration of 5G is not only a technological milestone but also a clear commitment to efficient, sustainable, and customer-oriented mobility." – René Röder, CEO ANTONICS

The BVG subway system is also a crucial component of Berlin’s extensive public transportation network. With nine lines and 1,258 vehicles, it connects over 175 stations across 155,4 kilometers. The U5 subway project stands out notably for its dedication to establishing an environmentally sustainable, barrier-free, and efficient connection through the heart of Berlin. Furthermore, it is set to pioneer autonomous trial operations starting in 2025, marking a significant advancement for the city. To ensure the smooth transmission of crucial data for this milestone, ANTONICS antennas have been selected as the optimal choice for secure data transmission. Additionally, ANTONICS antennas have been installed across other subway lines to enhance communication between the control center and drivers, facilitating seamless transmission of essential information such as passenger counts.

"Without data, we have no overview, which is why it is the most important driver of modern mobility." – Larissa Zeichhardt, CEO LAT Group

The BVG tram network, consisting of 22 lines covering 319 kilometers, stands as a vital component of Berlin’s transportation infrastructure. Offering an eco-friendly alternative to individual vehicles, it plays a pivotal role in curbing emissions within the city. Incorporating nearly 600 ANTONICS antennas, these trams now boast enhanced capabilities such as precise GPS-based location tracking. Furthermore, advancements in radio communication and the integration of 5G technology have been implemented, enriching passengers‘ travel experiences with improved connectivity and services.

Inspiration for Sustainable Mobility

The collaboration between ANTONICS, LAT, and BVG showcases the synergy of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.

" As a family business, we recognize that realizing innovative products requires strong partnerships. We are fortunate to have ANTONICS, a reputable manufacturer renowned for quality and reliability, as our trusted partner." – Mirko Aßmann, Managing Director LAT Funkanlagen-Service GmbH

Through their collaboration, LAT and ANTONICS not only contribute to the ecological enhancement of public transport but also foster a more livable city. Their dedication transcends local boundaries, serving as an inspiring success story for cities worldwide that aspire to achieve modern and sustainable mobility.