Plans for a hi-speed train between Swiss cities and London are on the right track
French company Getlink, which manages the Eurotunnel, signed a partnership agreement with London St. Pancras Highspeed, the operator of the rail line on the British side of the Channel, “to facilitate the increase in connections between Great Britain and continental Europe.”
While the plans are not finalised yet, they target “a range of new destinations,” including Switzerland, according to Yann Leriche, Getlink’s CEO.
On the Swiss side, the demand for direct train link from Switzerland (specifically Geneva and Basel) has gathered support at the political level, with a number of MPs speaking out in favour of this project.
READ ALSO: Geneva to London direct rail link gets more backing from Switzerland
Zurich city council presents a counter-proposal to the health premium initiative
The Zurich government supports the thrust of the ‘premium relief initiative’ launched in the city by trade unions and left-leaning parties, it said in a press release.
However, finding that the initiative “goes too far” in its demands, city officials have launched a counter-proposal of their own which, they say, would provide a targeted relief for families, but at a lower cost than the initiative seeks.
For instance, instead of a health insurance subsidy of 60 million francs a year for both low- and middle-income earners, the municipality proposes to earmark 20 million francs in financial aid.
Additionally, under the city council’s proposal, families would receive higher health insurance allowances.
The date for this issue to be put to a referendum has not yet been set.
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Rent prices in Bern increased by over 3 percent last year
Rents in the Swiss capital may not reach the level of Zurich, but they have nevertheless gone up by 3.2 percent in 2024, according to a survey published on Tuesday by the city’s statistical office.
A comparison with the national consumer price index and its sub-index for rental costs shows that the development of rents in Bern follows patterns seen throughout Switzerland — that is, upwards.
The average net rent for a studio apartment, for instance, is 788 francs per month; for two rooms 1,111 francs; tor three, 1309 francs; for four, 1,646 francs; and for five, 2.082 francs.
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Warning: Do not travel to Munich tomorrow and Friday
Due to a two-day strike planned at Munich airport from midnight on February 27th until 11:59 PM on February 28th, SWISS airline is advising against travel to the German city.
“The impact on the Lufthansa Group Airlines’ flight program [to which SWISS belongs] are not yet known,” the company said. “However, there could be delays and cancellations of flights to and from Munich on both days.”
If you are already booked on a flight to or from Munich during the strike, you can cancel your ticket for free, SWISS said.
Otherwise, check the current status of your flight before heading to the airport.
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