Managing the planning and procurement of the trolleybus catenary network expansion
Customer: Verkehrsbetriebe Biel, Switzerland
Project tasks
- Overall project management
- Integrated project planning
- Stakeholder management
- Authority coordination
- Interface management
- Procurement management
- Tendering and contract award
- Funding coordination
- Risk and Quality management
- Communication and reporting
- Supplier management
Our approach
To support the introduction of a new battery trolleybus fleet, Verkehrsbetriebe Biel is expanding its existing trolleybus catenary network by approximately 2.4 km in the Bözingen district. The project also includes the construction of a new traction power substation to ensure a reliable power supply and network stability. PROSE was appointed to provide overall project management for the concept phase, including the preliminary design, detailed design for the planning approval procedure, and the preparation and execution of all procurement activities.
Based on VB’s fleet strategy and initial technical assessments, PROSE assembled an interdisciplinary external planning team covering catenary systems, traction power substations and civil engineering. In parallel, we managed the ongoing network studies and ensured their continuous alignment with the project requirements and the operational concept.
During the preliminary design phase, PROSE focused on man-aging technical interfaces, coordinating with authorities and landowners, and addressing funding and financing matters. From the very beginning, we actively engaged all relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment and support efficient project delivery.
For the detailed design and planning approval phase, we developed the planning approval documentation together with the specialist designers and ensured its completeness, consistency and quality. During the preparation and approval process, we acted as the central point of contact for all authorities and stakeholders. In parallel, we prepared the tender and procurement documentation for civil works, poles, catenary systems, transformers, rectifiers and other work packages, and supported Verkehrsbetriebe Biel in bid evaluation and contract award preparation.
Customer benefit
With PROSE, Verkehrsbetriebe Biel gained a partner capable of leading a technically and organisationally complex infrastructure project. Thanks to our team’s extensive experience, key topics were addressed proactively and at the right stages of the project. This enabled the successful completion of the entire concept phase – from the preliminary design and planning approval stages through to securing funding and managing the procurement processes – within just two years.
As the single point of contact, PROSE coordinated all specialist planners, authorities and other stakeholders involved in the project. This streamlined communication, accelerated decision-making and ensured that the customer was involved in project governance in a targeted and appropriate manner. As a result, Verkehrsbetriebe Biel was able to focus its resources on its core operational activities, while the needs of all stakeholders were efficiently captured and addressed in a timely manner.











