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Switzerland opens again. Slowly Step by step Tens of thousands remain in the central office. But commuter flows are increasing again. Gone are the days when the train from Bern to Zurich was practically empty. From May 11, public transportation will continue largely according to the old schedule. Some restrictions remain. Tourist traffic, in particular, will cease for now.
But how do SBB and the other transportation companies protect their customers? Is a mask mandatory? Who enforces them? Are travelers equipped with masks? Is a scarf allowed?
SBB and Postauto have provided the answer in a joint statement. Consequently, there is no mask requirement. But a recommendation of “urgent” mask, with reference to the new pink campaign of the Federal Office of Transport. The main objective is to keep the number of cases low. That’s what Ueli Stückelberger, director of the Public Transportation Association, says about Blick TV.
Free toilet for hand washing
“Public transport customers are strongly encouraged to wear hygiene masks if the two-meter distance cannot be maintained,” a statement said Thursday. “Commuter times in the morning and at night should, if possible, be avoided and less frequented connections used.”
SBB, Postauto and the other transport companies do not provide masks for travelers. The concept is based on “personal responsibility and solidarity”. However, the cleaning effort increases. “The handrails, handles and buttons are cleaned several times a day and, where possible, cleaning is intensified during the journey,” the statement said.
To allow for clean and frequent hand washing, SBB opens certain restrooms. “The paid hygiene centers at Basel SBB, Bellinzona, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Locarno, Lucerne and Zurich HB stations can be used free of charge by travelers from May 11 until further notice,” he says. And: “Disinfectant dispensers are installed at the entrances to larger train stations.”
Controls start
“The concept of protection for travelers and employees allows temporarily closed ticket counters to reopen,” he continues. On long-distance trains, customer service will resume control of tickets.
“Customers are asked to continue purchasing tickets online, through apps or at the machine, if possible, and to pay contactless at the ticket counters.”
The recommendations on hygiene maintenance and hygiene from the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) remain valid and important, he continues. Customers on public transportation are encouraged to adhere to the concept of protection for public transportation.
A look abroad
France also recently commented on the subject of the mask on local public transport. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe spoke of a mask requirement a few days ago. Starting May 11, you must wear a face mask on the subway, on buses, and on trains. Masks are also mandatory in high school.
Germany also has an explicit obligation to wear a mask. The rules differ from state to state. So also the buses. But as of this week, the basic rule is: anyone entering the bus, train, or train must wear a face mask. Otherwise, there is a bus that can fetch several hundred euros.
Austria has made the use of a mask compulsory. Since mid-April, the official directive has been in place that “your nose and mouth must be covered on all public transportation.” Passengers must bring the mask themselves. If a mask is not available, a scarf or kerchief can also be worn. “It is important that the nose and mouth are covered.” (ise)
