It’s pouring criticism. The fact that the city of Bern is discussing abolishing home delivery of packages is not welcome. The Swiss Association of Cities, of which the federal city is a member, is the most insightful.
But according to figures from the Federal Highway Office (Astra), “almost 90 percent of all kilometers traveled in Switzerland are in passenger cars and 83 percent in private transport,” he says. Therefore, the main reason for congested roads is not home delivery transport, but private transport.
Avoid unnecessary trips
However, cities need to cover the increase in parcels, according to the association. But you don’t have an overview of their thinking. However, the primary goal of cities is probably to reduce traffic in general.
From the association’s point of view, however, it makes most sense to avoid trips to a home where the recipient is not at home and the package cannot be left on the doorstep. It seems that not going to the front door at all is also not a priority solution for the unification of cities.
Do not forward to customers
But what does an industry representative see that is largely responsible for cities like Bern’s expectation of parcels to triple by 2040? Digitec Galaxus, Switzerland’s largest online retailer, invites governments and the transport industry to think about the challenges of the future.
But according to the company, it doesn’t make much sense for new packing stations to replace door-to-door delivery of packages. “The costs and responsibility of behaving in a sustainable way are passed on to the end consumer,” the online retailer emphasizes.
Digitec teaches Bern a lesson
Depending on whether the buyer drives an SUV or bike to the collection station, the solution is ecological or not. Digitec Galaxus’ position is, “We believe it is easier to persuade large companies to adopt sustainable delivery solutions than it is to persuade each end customer.”
This year, a pilot project was undertaken in which parcels were delivered by truck to a central location in Zurich and then delivered by bike couriers. The online retailer teaches an ecology lesson to the city of Bern, “Without disturbing outer packaging and within the same day as ordered”.
“Wrong direction”
Criticism also comes from politics. Lena Allenspach (30), co-chairman and city councilor of SP Stadt Bern clearly states: “There is no reduction in public service.” Shaking the basic duty of service would be fatal. And: “Post offices in the neighborhoods are already marginalized. The thoughts of the city of Bern are clearly going in the wrong direction. » It is inefficient for everyone to carry their own package. “And it raises questions about what this means from an ecological perspective, as well as from an industry and population perspective,” the politician said. She is examining the submission of a proposal on this topic.
Blick could not reach Reto Nause (51, medium), the environmental manager responsible for the incident in Bern city government.