Switzerland’s population grew by 18% between 2000 and 2017, while road and rail traffic grew by around 30% in the same period. Air traffic exploded with the number of passengers increasing by 60%. Switzerland has more than one car for every two residents: 4.6 million vehicles.
All this travelling causes carbon dioxide emissions. In 2016, transportation (excluding international flights) accounted for 38% of Swiss emissions. Transport alone accounted for 36% of energy used in the country and the infrastructure cost CHF16.8 billion ($17 billion) in 2015.
On an individual level, a Swiss resident spent an average of 90 minutes a day travelling, of which half was spent on leisure-related activities. The average work commute was 17 minutes long and a distance of 15km, according to the same source.
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‘Hidden’ transport costs on the rise
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The so-called ‘external costs’ of various modes of transport collectively increased by almost CHF1 billion during the period 2010-2015.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Switzerland presents special toilet for cows to cut emissions
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A toilet specially designed for cows, aimed at reducing ammonia emissions per animal by 15%, was presented at a farm in Hellbühl, canton Lucerne, on Wednesday.
Swiss petition against US F-35 fighter jets gathers 42,000 signatures
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A petition by the "Stop-F35 Alliance" urging the Swiss government to immediately halt the purchase of new US fighter jets has gathered 42,500 signatures.
Swiss House of Representatives backs online Schengen visa system
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In future, Schengen visa applications should be made via a European Union online platform. On Tuesday, Switzerland's House of Representatives adopted a revision of Swiss legislation on this issue.
UBS study: Switzerland is still the richest country in the world
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Average per-capita wealth in Switzerland rose last year to $687,000 (CHF561,000), the UBS Global Wealth Report said on Wednesday.
UBS and Pictet report data leak after cyber attack on provider Chain IQ
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Swiss banks UBS and Pictet on Wednesday confirmed they had suffered a data leak due to a cyber attack on their subcontractor Chain IQ in Switzerland.
Iran will respond firmly if US gets directly involved in Israeli strikes, says UN ambassador
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Iran says it will respond firmly to the United States if it becomes directly involved in Israel's military campaign, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said on Wednesday.
Swiss politicians concerned by cut to Lausanne-Paris TGV services
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The Vaud cantonal parliament wants to maintain six direct daily TGV high-speed train services between Lausanne and Paris.
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Switzerland and Norway have signed a bilateral agreement for the future storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) under the North Sea.
Switzerland must better protect whistleblowers, says OECD
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Switzerland must step up its anti-corruption efforts and provide better protection for whistleblowers while increasing fines for guilty firms, an OECD anti-bribery group says.
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Swiss take the train more often, and further, than European neighbours
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The latest Europe-wide figures confirm Switzerland’s reputation as a country of trains, with average trips and kilometres covered far higher than elsewhere.
Flixbus expects jump in Swiss ticket sales after domestic route approval
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The German low-cost bus company estimates a 40% increase in Swiss passengers following approval in June to offer domestic routes.
Swiss public transport given good marks for cost-effectiveness
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Using public transport infrequently in Switzerland is expensive, but thanks to new special offers, it does well when it comes to value for money.
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