Mobility Concepts

Bengaluru, Bosch, and moving buildings

How do I get to work quickly and comfortably, safely, reliably, and with as little environmental impact as possible? The planners at Global Real Estate provide answers to this question for each location with their tailormade mobility concept. A small logistical component that has a big impact.

Bengaluru, megacity: More than 16 million inhabitants, more than ten million cars, and up to 1,600 kilometers of traffic jams every day – India’s third-largest city is on the verge of gridlock. The disastrous effect on the environment is not the only problem. In the metropolis that was previously known as Bangalore, people are also taking longer and longer to get from A to B.

About three years ago, a recommendation from GR prompted the city to build a subway. When it became clear that the subway was actually going to become a reality, GR was also delighted. Not least because numerous Bosch associates got stuck in the daily traffic jam on their way to the software campus in the Adugodi district. It was also impossible to estimate the duration of trips from the airport, which could take up to five hours. At that time, the planners were faced with the task of expanding the site, including additional parking spaces. In view of the limited space and the traffic situation, this seemed to be an increasingly absurd plan.

Subway system instead of parking spaces

But what if they invested in a metro station instead – one that provided direct access to the Bosch campus? In a simulation, they demonstrated how up to 8,000 colleagues would be able get to work in an eco-friendlier, faster, and more relaxed way. If everything goes as planned, Bosch in Bengaluru will be directly connected to the metro network as of 2026. “This means a leap toward modern, urban mobility and better climate protection,” says Udo Osterholz, infrastructure transport planner at GR and head of the Bosch Mobility Core Team in charge of global mobility concepts. Practical-minded Osterholz adds: “This also does away with the need for many parking spaces.”

No matter where in the world a Bosch site is being built or remodeled: A mobility concept is an indispensable part of the project. It may sound odd, but it works wonders. When put into practice, such a concept is an effective way of saving CO2, making Bosch even more attractive as an employer and also motivating associates to engage in health-promoting exercise. Each mobility concept comprises the components of public transportation, cars, bicycles, and onsite transport. At every site around the world, forward-looking checks are carried out to determine which measures are effective and make sense.

The initial reason: driving bans in Stuttgart

“The key question is always: How can I get to work quickly, conveniently, safely, and reliably?” That’s how Udo Osterholz describes the approach. The team developed the first mobility concept in 2017, prompted by driving bans due to high levels of particulate matter in the air in the greater Stuttgart area. At that time, around 50,000 Bosch associates commuted a distance of more than four times around the globe every day – mainly by car. So the company took action: At short notice, it arranged for the Bosch ID card to double as a bus pass and started drawing up the mobility concept of the future in the background. The rest is history

A master plan for mobility

Traffic planning for frequent travelers: A large number of associates drive and commute to each site. GR offers the right mobility solution for everyone to make this work in an increasingly eco-friendly manner.  

Public transport 

Public transport is a mainstay of any mobility concept. Wherever possible, Bosch offers convenient access to bus and train stops. In some cases, the company even provides its own buses so that associates can get to work in an eco-friendly manner.

Factory shuttle

Associates who need to drive from one plant to another or move around the site don’t need to use their own cars. Instead, they can take the plant shuttle. The shuttles offer the opportunity to work while traveling.

Downsizing traffic 

If associates live closer to another Bosch site than the one where they are officially working, they can skip the commute and work in coworking spaces at the alternate site.

Bicycle 

Bosch has concluded around 41,500 leasing contracts since the launch of Jobradleasing (JobRad) in 2018. GR offers facilities for eco-minded associates by providing showers (far left), changing rooms, drying rooms, and charging stations. In some places, bicycles can be parked in a tower where dozens of bikes fit on top of each other.

Car

There are plenty of parking spaces for car drivers and charging points for eco-friendly electric vehicles. Apps that make it easy to organize carpooling reduce car traffic to the bare minimum.