The public transport branch is increasing its fares for the first time since 2016. Such a long period without a fare increase had never occurred in the branch, argues the SwissPass Alliance in a communiqué published on Tuesday.
Uneven increases
The increase will not be the same for everyone. 1st class prices will thus be lower (+1.9%, once morest +4.8% for 2nd). The half-fare subscription, single tickets and products intended for “occasional” users will also be less affected by this increase.
The price of single tickets will thus increase by 4.2%, like the price of day and multi-trip tickets. The adult half-fare will cost 5 francs more (190 fr. per year for a first purchase).
The general subscription (GA) will increase on average by 5.1%. To acquire a 2nd class adult AG, it will now be necessary to pay 4080 francs, a jump of 220 francs (+5.7%). The increase is more moderate for first-class sesame.
Not the young
The Youth half-price season ticket (16-25 years old), the declawed, child and school day passes, the Junior and Accompanied Child passes or the dog and luggage sets will not be subject to an increase, specifies the press release.
The SwissPass Alliance showed last week its desire to attract a young audience. It launched three new subscriptions for people under 25 to encourage them to use public transport. A new subscription, in the form of a credit note, should also convince people looking for flexibility, but for whom the GA is not worth it. It will be launched in December as well.
>> Review the subject of the 7:30 p.m. of March 28, 2023:
Inflation
The branch considers these price increases “essential”. Since 2016, transport companies have expanded their offer by around 10% and have invested heavily in modern vehicles, the statement said.
At the same time, consumer prices increased by 4.5%. For 2023, the State Secretariat for the Economy expects additional inflation of 2.4%. This leads to increases in wage, energy and fuel costs. Companies have already been weakened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Confederation, also faced with finances in the red, has also announced a 7.8% reduction in the means allocated to regional passenger traffic for 2024, recalls the SwissPass Alliance. Added to this is a 0.4% VAT increase on January 1, due to the AVS 21 reform.
Everyone must make an effort, including the sponsors (Confederation, cantons, municipalities) and users, concludes the transport branch.
Prices not yet final
Prices are not yet final. A tariff change of this magnitude must still formally receive the approval of the members of the SwissPass Alliance, which brings together 250 companies and 18 tariff communities.
The Price Monitor will also be involved. In the past, it had managed to somewhat curb announced price increases. Final pricing is expected to be revealed in June.
ats/edel
