Passengers are advised to wear masks in situations where social distancing is not possible.
Keystone
As Swiss public transport prepares to resume normal schedules on May 11, Swiss Railways and PostBus have presented their plans for preventing the spread of coronavirus.
After “intensive discussions” with the Federal Office of Public Health, the two companies have adopted six recommendations, forming “the heart of our protection system in the health crisis”, according to Swiss Railways boss Vincent Ducrot in a joint online press conference with PostBus head Christian Plüss on Thursday.
During their journey, passengers are advised to keep their distance from others, to avoid rush hour and to spread out inside transport vehicles. In situations where a distance of two metres from other people cannot be maintained, they are advised to wear masks. They should buy tickets online and wash their hands regularly. It will not yet be possible to buy tickets on buses, said Christian Plüss.
The two companies said they are counting on individual responsibility and solidarity between passengers.
The same rules apply to the transport companies’ employees, they said. “Where distance cannot be respected, employees wear a mask,” said Ducrot, citing the examples of train ticket inspectors and drivers of crowded buses.
Waiting rooms are to remain closed but toilet and washing facilities in main stations, that usually charge a fee, will be free of charge. Transport companies will also step up cleaning and disinfecting, especially of surfaces that meet human contact.
Ducrot said this was not a return to normal but a “first step towards a return to normal”. Meanwhile, the Union of Swiss TownsExternal link is urging all those who can work from home to continue to do so.
More
More
Swiss railways boss sees faint light at end of coronavirus tunnel
This content was published on
The outgoing head of the Swiss Federal Railways says the coronavirus crisis could lead to a change in the travel habits of the Swiss.
Basel diocese files five claims of sexual abuse in Swiss Catholic Church
This content was published on
The diocese of Basel has received 141 reports of sexual abuse since the publication of a sweeping study on violations in the Catholic Church by the University of Zurich in 2023.
Swiss president calls for open markets and stable institutions in WEF speech
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter was among speakers at the WEF in Davos to make the case for fair competition, a day after Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States.
Swiss film in competition at the 75th Berlinale has a shot at Golden Bear
This content was published on
The feature film La Cache by Lausanne screenwriter and director Lionel Baier has a chance of winning the Silver or Golden Bear at the 75th Berlinale, festival organisers said on Tuesday.
Swiss politician who shot at image of Jesus resigns from Liberal Green Party
This content was published on
Sanija Ameti, who caused controversy after shooting at an image of Jesus and Mary last September, has resigned from the Liberal Green Party.
Swiss campaigners gather enough signatures to submit ‘responsible business’ initiative
This content was published on
The Swiss people are set to vote again on the corporate responsibility of multinationals after campaigners collected 183,661 signatures in 14 days for their new 'responsible business' initiative.
Several Swiss municipalities and banks hit by cyberattack
This content was published on
Russian hackers attacked the websites of several Swiss municipalities and banks on Tuesday, just as the World Economic Forum (WEF), got under way in Davos.
Music strengthens brain connections in premature babies, Swiss study shows
This content was published on
In premature babies, music strengthens connections in certain areas of the brain, according to a years-long study by the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG).
WEF gives Crystal Award to Beckham, Yamamoto and von Fürstenberg
This content was published on
The World Economic Forum in Davos handed out awards to UNICEF ambassador David Beckham, Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto and women's rights activist Diane von Fürstenberg.
Swiss CEOs betting on a strong domestic market in 2025
This content was published on
Swiss business leaders are optimistic about 2025, despite a world in crisis, says a new survey by Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
This content was published on
Economics Minister Guy Parmelin and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis have welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to Bern
This content was published on
The number of people taking trains in Switzerland has fallen since the outbreak of the coronavirus, resulting in a huge financial hit.
This content was published on
Jump on, ride to your stop, hop off — without offending anybody. Sounds easy, but it’s not, warns a guru of Swiss transport etiquette.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.