ZVV awards transport advertising contract to APG|SGA for five-year term

The Zurich Transport Network (ZVV) today announced the renewal of its partnership with APG|SGA for transport advertising services. This decision comes five months after ZVV issued a call for tenders in April 2024. The contract, awarded for a minimum period of five years, solidifies the continued collaboration between ZVV, Switzerland's largest transport association, and APG|SGA, the country's leading out-of-home and transport advertising company.

The Zurich Transport Network, known locally as Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV), stands as a cornerstone of Swiss public transportation. According to ZVV statistics, the network carried more than 655 million passengers in 2023, highlighting its crucial role in the country's mobility infrastructure. ZVV unites 35 transport companies under its umbrella, creating a comprehensive public transit system for the Zurich region.

Stadtbus Winterthur, serving as the ZVV competence center for transport advertising in the area, spearheaded the tender process. This responsibility excludes advertising for Zurich Public Transport (VBZ) and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), which operate under separate arrangements.

The newly awarded contract encompasses advertising spaces on and within vehicles operated by several key transport companies within the ZVV network. These include VBG Verkehrsbetriebe Glattal AG, VZO Verkehrsbetriebe Zürichsee und Oberland AG, SZU Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn AG, ZSG Zürichsee-Schiffahrtsgesellschaft AG, SBW Stadtbus Winterthur, and Postauto AG in the Zurich market area.

The scope of the agreement is substantial, covering more than 500 vehicles. The majority of these are standard and articulated buses, providing a wide-reaching platform for advertisers to engage with the public across the Zurich region.

APG|SGA's successful bid ensures continuity in the advertising offerings available to its clients. The company will maintain its popular rear panel and RoofStrip formats on virtually all 500 vehicles covered by the contract. These formats have proven effective in capturing the attention of pedestrians, motorists, and other commuters throughout the urban landscape.

For advertisers seeking more expansive visibility, APG|SGA will offer full wraps and TrafficBoards on select vehicles. These larger-scale advertising options allow for more comprehensive brand messaging and visual impact.

Inside the vehicles, APG|SGA will manage over 6,000 spaces dedicated to HangingDisplays and WindowDecals. These interior advertising formats provide opportunities for more targeted messaging to captive audiences during their commutes.

Matthias Gerth, Head of Marketing and Communications at Stadtbus Winterthur, commented on the decision: "APG|SGA was awarded the contract on the basis of its impressive bid in the public tender. We look forward to working with the company from 2025 onwards." This statement underscores the competitive nature of the bidding process and APG|SGA's ability to meet the high standards set by ZVV.

Roger Keller, Head of Sales Consulting North/East/ZH at APG|SGA Transport Advertising, expressed enthusiasm about the contract renewal: "Public transport vehicles will continue to be an important part of national campaigns in the future, and we have a transport advertising presence in practically all Swiss cities. We can also offer our local and regional customers tailor-made solutions at a good price."

Keller's remarks highlight the strategic importance of public transport advertising in APG|SGA's portfolio. The company's extensive network across Swiss cities positions it as a key player in connecting advertisers with diverse urban audiences.

The renewal of this contract comes at a time when public transportation is increasingly viewed as a critical component of sustainable urban development. As cities worldwide grapple with issues of congestion and environmental impact, efficient and well-utilized public transit systems like ZVV play a crucial role in shaping more livable urban environments.

For advertisers, the continued partnership between ZVV and APG|SGA offers stability and predictability in their media planning. The five-year minimum term of the contract allows for long-term strategic planning and campaign development, leveraging the consistent presence of advertising spaces across the Zurich transport network.

The collaboration between ZVV and APG|SGA also reflects the evolving nature of out-of-home advertising in the digital age. While traditional formats like rear panels and interior displays remain popular, the industry is increasingly exploring ways to integrate digital and interactive elements into transport advertising, potentially opening new avenues for engagement with commuters.

As the contract takes effect in 2025, both ZVV and APG|SGA are poised to continue their roles in shaping the visual landscape of Zurich's public spaces. The partnership not only serves the commercial interests of advertisers but also contributes to the financial sustainability of the public transport system, potentially benefiting passengers through reinvestment in services and infrastructure.

Key Facts

• Contract awarded to APG|SGA by Zurich Transport Network (ZVV) for transport advertising
• Minimum five-year term beginning in 2025
• Covers over 500 vehicles, primarily standard and articulated buses
• Includes advertising spaces for six transport companies within ZVV network
• Over 6,000 interior advertising spaces available
• ZVV carried more than 655 million passengers in 2023
• ZVV unites 35 transport companies under its umbrella
• Tender process initiated in April 2024
• Contract awarded on September 25, 2024
• APG|SGA to offer rear panels, RoofStrips, full wraps, TrafficBoards, HangingDisplays, and WindowDecals

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