The national railway company, SBB, is testing stricter rules for smokers at five rail stations, but what are the rules and punishments for smokers at Switzerland’s stations.
Since 2019, smoking has been permitted only in designated areas in Swiss train stations.
Many people, however, ignore this rule and smoke on the platforms and in other ‘off-limits’ areas. Now the SBB is tightening the screws and trying out new ways to stop the offenders.
Initially, these tests are carried out over a six-month period in the stations in Solothurn, Biel/Bienne, Burgdorf, La Chaux-de-Fonds, and Zurich Hardbrücke, which were chosen due to numerous complaints related to smoking and cigarette butts.
Now, new posters in large print remind passengers of the smoking ban. At the same time, ashtrays have been removed or sealed off from waste bins.
According to the SBB spokesperson Fabienne Thommen, the project’s primary goal is to raise awareness among users about the smoking ban.
What are the smoking regulations at train stations?
After initially testing the idea at selected stations at the end of 2017 and 2018, the general ban on smoking went into effect in June 2019.
From this date on, smokers were only permitted to light up in designated areas only.
While most enclosed spaces were already smoke-free, SBB expanded the ban to include more public areas.
Exact regulations depend on the size of the station – for instance, smoking may be permitted on specific areas on platforms, depending on their length. The ‘no smoking’ areas are clearly marked.
The smoking ban includes the consumption of tobacco, cannabis, and other substances, as well as e-cigarettes.
From 2019 to mid-2020, the SBB gradually adapted its stations to comply with these new regulations.
Rule breakers are slapped with a fine of at least 25 francs.
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Higher smoking rate
The Public Transport Association (VöV) introduced the smoking zones in 2019 after a survey showed a large majority of passengers favoured stricter rules. The Lung Association emphasises that passive smoking remains harmful to health, even outdoors.
With a smoking rate of 25.3 percent, Switzerland’s incidence is higher than that of Germany or Great Britain, according to WHO data.
At the same time, social acceptance of smoking continues to decline. In Geneva, the rules were tightened as well: a smoking ban has been in place there, including at bus stops, playgrounds, and near schools.
