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Rising public transport prices are causing dissatisfaction among Swiss travelers. Since last December, the general season ticket (GA) for adults in second class has cost R3,995 a year, and the number of fare evaders is higher than ever before. Alliance SwissPass, which sets fares for the sector and therefore also for the SBB, speaks of an inevitable increase to “ensure the survival of the entire public transport system in Switzerland”.
Price monitor Stefan Meierhans (55) took part in the negotiations. The price increase was limited to 3.7 percent, thanks in no small part to him, compared to 4.3 percent in the first draft.
Blick: Monsieur Prix, who offers the general subscription for almost 4,000 francs, doesn’t that contradict Switzerland’s climate goals?
Stefan Meierhans: The objectives and high prices for public transport actually contradict each other. That’s why I made sure the AV didn’t cost more than 4,000 francs. This is extremely expensive, especially compared to Austria and Germany. A high price is not consistent with the political decisions that Switzerland has made by signing the Paris Agreement and participating in all climate conferences.
You keep an eye on the prices, but do you have the right to comment on this lack of consistency?
It is even written into the law that when monitoring or setting a price, I must take Switzerland’s political objectives into account.
Austrians pay about 1,000 francs for their ‘climate ticket’. Their government invests 500 million per year in this. What is Switzerland doing?
In Austria there is a clear will to motivate people to make more use of public transport. For us, the signals are contradictory. We want to respect the Paris Agreement and our climate commitments, but price is a crucial factor. This ignores a very important element in people’s decision making.
We don’t invest in ‘climate tickets’, okay. But was it necessary to raise prices?
The situation is not without challenges, and not only for SBB. The SwissPass alliance brings together 250 companies in a uniform fare system for the entire country. Some companies struggle to cover their costs. When diesel became very expensive, costs rose for those who only operated buses, but not for train companies. There are always people who benefit from it and others who suffer from it. Then you must use an average value. There are two main factors that are taken into account.
Which?
First, there is an article in the Swiss Constitution, Article 81a, which states that public transport users must pay a “reasonable” share of the costs. This term influences the negotiations. I personally saw to it that the General Assembly did not exceed 4,000 francs. It is the reference point for all offers. It is the ultimate threshold and all subscriptions offered in the cantons for their local networks are defined by this upper limit.
Are you satisfied with the negotiations?
I have signed and accept the 3.7 percent increase. I stand by my word. But when I started the discussion, I hoped to be able to reduce the increase even further. The General Assembly was set at 3,995 francs, the supersaver tickets were retained and 50 million were saved. That’s not a little, yes – but I wouldn’t have said no if it had been more.
But the core of the problem is the commuters, right? If they are deterred by the unaffordable train prices, traffic jams on the roads will become longer and longer…
Yes, I agree that the trapped customers, whether commuters, interns or students, have no choice. Their captivity is being abused. I fight for public transport where I can. But we don’t know what will happen in the future. There are people who say that public transport is too heavily subsidized and that prices should rise even further!
Is becoming Then no one takes the train anymore?
I have indicated that I will make a decision if necessary at the next rate review. I have the right to set a price if we don’t agree. You can’t milk passengers like cows!
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
