What Causes Traffic Jams in Switzerland?
Whether you’re stuck in gridlock on your commute or cursing your luck while passing through the Gotthard, traffic jams are becoming a growing issue in Switzerland. A recent study by the Federal Office of Spatial Development (ARE) reveals the key factors causing these bottlenecks.
Traffic Jams Reach Record Highs in Switzerland
2023 marked a record year for traffic jams in Switzerland. According to the Federal Roads Office (Astra), drivers lost a total of 48,807 hours to congestion. That’s a 22.4 percent increase compared to 2022. Even though Switzerland’s motorways make up only 3 percent of the road network, 45 percent of all traffic disruptions happened there.
The most congested areas include Basel, Lucerne, Lugano, Zurich, Lake Geneva, and the Gotthard Road Tunnel. While accidents and construction contribute to delays, the majority — 42,318 hours — result from simply having too many vehicles on the roads.
Tourists and Leisure Traffic Are Major Culprits
Surprisingly, less than half of the vehicles on Swiss roads are used by commuters. According to the ARE, tourism and leisure traffic account for more than 50 percent of all vehicles. Only 47 percent of cars on the road are used for commuting to work.
Of all journeys, 27 percent were for “regular leisure traffic,” such as day trips. Another 25 percent was for holiday travel. This traffic is almost evenly split between Swiss residents and visitors from abroad.
Voters Reject Road Expansion
Switzerland’s transport policies are changing. In November 2023, Swiss voters rejected a plan to expand the motorway network. This was the first time a proposal to build new roads was turned down in a referendum. It shows that simply building more roads isn’t the solution.
The impact of tourism on traffic had been underestimated, admits Ulrich Seewer, deputy director of the ARE. He notes that the number of tourists driving to Switzerland will only continue to rise.
Public Transport Seen as the Key to Reducing Traffic
With the road expansion plan defeated, many lawmakers are focusing on public transport. Social Democratic National Councillor David Roth argued that without new roads, Switzerland won’t be able to handle the massive tourism-driven traffic.
Seewer also supports expanding the rail network. Data shows that 74 percent of tourist trips in Switzerland are made by car. If more international tourists use the train instead, it could ease the pressure on the roads.
To encourage this shift, Seewer suggests offering cheap or free public transport tickets to visitors. He also calls for more direct trains connecting major cities in Europe to Swiss destinations, particularly through the Gotthard Road Tunnel and San Bernadino.
Looking to the Future
As traffic jams increase, Switzerland faces a growing challenge. Expanding roads is no longer a viable option. Instead, the country is turning to public transport, especially trains, to reduce congestion. With the number of tourists rising and limited space on the roads, Switzerland will need innovative solutions to keep traffic moving smoothly.
For more detailed traffic data and insights, visit the Federal Roads Office (Astra)
For more Swiss news, check out A Piece of Switzerland.
