Twin brothers Frank and Patrik Riklin launched a public bus with no fixed route or destination in Baden, Switzerland [1].
The project, titled "Line Zero," seeks to combat social isolation by forcing passengers to interact with one another in a shared space. By removing the predictability of a commute, the artists aim to transform a mundane utility into a catalyst for community building.
The bus began operations on April 30, 2024 [1]. Unlike traditional transit, Line Zero does not follow a map or adhere to a schedule. This lack of direction is the central premise of the conceptual art piece; it encourages riders to disconnect from their digital devices and engage in spontaneous conversation.
The Riklin brothers designed the experience to foster social connection. The goal is to prompt passengers to talk to strangers and engage in shared activities while traveling through the city [1]. By stripping away the destination, the journey itself becomes the focus of the experience.
Baden serves as the backdrop for this social experiment. The artists believe that the anonymity of public transit often prevents people from connecting, and Line Zero is intended to break those social barriers [1]. The project challenges the modern perception of efficiency by prioritizing human interaction over the speed of arrival.
“Line Zero is a public bus with no fixed route or destination.”
Line Zero represents a shift in conceptual art toward 'social sculpture,' where the medium is not the vehicle itself but the human interactions it triggers. By removing the primary purpose of transportation — reaching a destination — the artists highlight the erosion of spontaneous social bonds in urban environments and test whether shared uncertainty can foster community.
