ZF Introduces Safer and Smarter Bus Stop Solutions

ZF focuses on safe, intelligent and passenger-oriented urban public transport operations and continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner in the commercial vehicle industry. Before the opening of the 2026 Hannover Transport Expo (September 14-20) in Germany, ZF showed City Bus Assist on Commercial Vehicle Technology Day, which is based on sensing sensors and enables automatic turn assist and intelligent kneeling at bus stops. ZF also demonstrated intelligent integration of software functions from chassis technology with advanced driver assistance systems to help bus manufacturers and public transport operators improve vehicle safety and operational efficiency and reduce vehicle total lifecycle costs (TCO).

The bus travels smoothly to the platform without distracting the driver, even if the traffic is dense - automatic steering assist guides the vehicle precisely against the kerb, and the suspension lowers the body synchronously and gently, enabling barrier-free boarding and alighting.g. The deceleration process of the vehicle is smooth and controllable, and passengers feel comfortable in the whole process. The entire operation is smooth, smooth and safe, providing a good experience for both the driver and passengers.

As demonstrated by ZF in the Technology Day event, this application is expected to become the normal daily operation of urban public transport in the future. ZF provides bus operators with integrated systems, new functions and software-based vehicle intelligent solutions, which comprehensively improve traffic safety, operation efficiency, vehicle life cycle cost performance and riding comfort.

Ivan Brajdic, R&D Director of ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions, said:

"In complex urban road conditions, buses need to meet multiple demands at the same time: ensure the safety of road participants and passengers, and maintain smooth, comfortable and reliable operation in urban traffic with frequent start-stop. Through advanced driver assistance systems, chassis control systems and software functions, we build interconnected system-level intelligence to help the driver cope with various key working conditions, improve passenger comfort and convenience of getting on and off the vehicle, and help the fleet achieve more efficient operation."

Integrated system to create urban public transport operation with consideration to safety and passenger experience

Based on the intelligent collaboration between driver assistance system, chassis technology and software, ZF has created a solution for urban public transport operation, and displayed several innovative technologies for urban public transport scenes on the Commercial Vehicle Technology Day:

City Bus Assist: It is the concept verification scheme launched by ZF on this technical day. It provides the driver with automatic steering assistance when the bus is approaching the station, with the suspension linked for intelligent kneeling. The system guides the vehicle to get close to the kerb accurately, and at the same time reduces the tire side wear. Combined with the integrated suspension control function, the body descent is optimized, and the vertical height difference between the boarding and alighting vehicles is reduced, so as to achieve barrier-free riding.

City Bus Mitigation System (City Bus CMS): It is a safety system specially built for urban public transit, which can actively identify surrounding vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, and actively brake if necessary to alleviate or avoid collision. The system is based on ZF ADAS product development, including the OnGuardMAX platform, to meet increasingly stringent safety regulations and support higher levels of driver assistance functions. At present, the system has been matched with many mainstream bus manufacturers.

Continuous Damping Control Damping System (CDC) ®  Skyhook): the damping algorithm based on the software can continuously adjust the damping characteristics in real time, stabilize the body posture, improve the ride comfort and optimize the dynamic performance of the vehicle.

Oilless scroll electric air compressor (e-comp Scroll): a low-noise, oil-free electric air compressor that supports vehicle braking and suspension systems. Its low noise and vibration characteristics further improve ride comfort, particularly for electric buses, while reducing maintenance requirements.

Provide strong support to vehicle manufacturers and operators with a comprehensive product portfolio

In addition to these technologies, ZF continues to expand its product portfolio for bus manufacturers and operators. At the Busworld T UBusiye, ZF presented a full suite of electrification solutions, including the low-floor electric drive axle AxTrax 2 LF with optional digital condition monitoring, and the latest digital fleet management solution ZF Bus Connect. These innovative solutions fully reflect ZF's firm commitment to the bus industry. Relying on the long-term technical accumulation in the bus field, ZF has created an integrated integrated solution covering advanced driver assistance, braking, steering, chassis, transmission system, electrification and fleet digital management.

ZF will show up at IAA 2026 (Exhibition Hall 21, Booth B42) in Hannover, Germany to fully present its latest commercial vehicle technology achievements.