Skip to content
Gambling-trends — **Explore Your Next Career Move!** — nfl — laliga

Zurich Rejects CHF 365 'e hall pass' Despite Public Backing

A bold plan to slash Zurich's train and bus fares in half wins public approval—but officials say the math doesn't add up. What's next for affordable transit?

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
The image shows a yellow bus driving down a street lined with houses and trees, with mountains in...
The image shows a yellow bus driving down a street lined with houses and trees, with mountains in the background and a clear blue sky above. Inside the bus, a group of people can be seen sitting, likely on a tour of the Swiss Alps.

Zurich Rejects CHF 365 'e hall pass' Despite Public Backing

Zurich's Government Council has rejected a proposal for a heavily discounted public transport pass, known as an 'e hall pass' or 'ehallpass'. The plan, backed by the Social Democratic Party (SP), would have cut the annual fare to CHF 365—less than half the current price of CHF 813. Despite strong public support, officials argued the scheme would place too great a financial strain on the city.

In September 2025, Zurich voters approved the CHF 365 pass with around 63 percent in favour. The SP had pushed for a similar scheme covering one or two fare zones, aiming to make public transport more affordable. However, the council dismissed the idea, claiming discounted passes were not the best way to encourage long-term use.

The council pointed to Vienna's experience with its €365 annual ticket, introduced in 2012. While the low-cost pass boosted ticket sales, it did not lead to a lasting increase in public transport usage. Vienna's model is also set to end soon, with prices rising to €467 from January 2026.

Zurich's transport network, ZVV, currently relies on fare revenue for only 63 percent of its costs. The remaining funds come from the canton and local municipalities, totalling over CHF 417 million each year. The council estimated the CHF 365 pass would add an extra CHF 140 million in annual expenses, calling the burden unsustainable.

Alongside the pass, the council also turned down other SP proposals aimed at expanding public transit services.

The rejection leaves Zurich's annual transport pass at CHF 813 for now. The council's decision follows concerns over costs and the effectiveness of fare cuts in changing travel habits. With Vienna's pricing model set to expire, Zurich's approach to public transport funding remains unchanged.

Read also:

Related

Latest