The government expects US trade tariffs to slow down Switzerland’s economy; the SBB plans to buy new trains for international routes; and more news in our roundup on Thursday.
Government examines consequences of US tariffs on Swiss economy
Full effects of higher customs duties that Donald Trump will impose on Switzerland after the ‘grace period’ of 90 days is over in July, cannot yet be assessed, the Federal Council said in a press release on Wednesday.
“However, indirect consequences must be expected, due to a slowdown in the global economy and volatility in financial markets,” the government pointed out.
As a result of these developments, Switzerland’s economy “is expected to develop less favourably” than expected.
“As things stand, a slowdown in growth is to be expected in Switzerland, but an economic collapse is not on the agenda.”
Still, as a way to offset the impact of higher tariffs, some export-oriented businesses may have to reduce the working hours of their employees, the government noted.
The SBB plans to purchase 40 high-speed trains for international connections
To remain competitive on the international market, the national rail company, SBB, wants to introduce new, high-performance trains to connect Swiss cities with Rome, Barcelona, and London, among other popular foreign destinations.
To achieve this ambitious goal, the SBB is planning to buy up to 40 super-fast trains, spending an estimated 1 billion francs for this project
The contract is scheduled to be put out to tender in 2026.
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How the Post Office could deliver your mail in the future
The government wants the postal service to deliver 90 percent of letters, parcels and newspapers on time in the future, as announced by the Federal Council on Wednesday.
The current target is a 97-percent ‘on time’ delivery for letters, and 95 percent for parcels and newspapers.
This leeway will give the Post more delivery flexibility at peak times, such as before Christmas.
In the future, the Post Office will also accept and deliver letters digitally.
These amendments are currently under consultation until August 6th before the finally decision on their implementation will be made.
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Public works to disrupt Geneva tram operations
As roadworks will disrupt tram lines 15 and 17 from tomorrow, April 18th ,until June 1st, alternative routes are planned.
Due to construction to create a passage under the Grand-Lancy road, line 15 will end at the Lancy Pont-Rouge stop, instead of going all the way to Ziplo. And tram 17 will only run from Annemasse (France) to Plainpalais.
To compensate for these cancelled stops, Geneva’s public transport company, TPG, will deploy shuttles between Lancy-Pont-Rouge and Les Palettes.
Line 18 will also be extended to Ziplo, and the frequency of its service will be increased.
Finally, passengers will also be able to take line 82 to connect from Ziplo to the Lancy-Bachet station.
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