Election campaign at SBB stations
In this election year, SBB is allowing campaign events at smaller train stations on a trial basis. The four major parties—FDP, SVP, SP, and CVP—had requested this from SBB. So far, a total of ten events have been held in the cantons of Zurich and Lucerne.
Being right in the middle of the action when thousands of passengers stream through Swiss railroad stations - this is what the major parties wanted from SBB. A few weeks ago, the railroad agreed, but only on a trial basis for the cantonal elections in Zurich and Lucerne and only in smaller stations. In these two cantons, where cantonal council and cantonal government elections are due on April 3 and 10 respectively, the first campaigns have now been carried out at train stations. In the canton of Lucerne, there have been eight so far at Sursee, Hochdorf, Emmenbrücke and Nebikon stations.
There were two flyer and Schöggelia campaigns in the canton of Zurich, specifically in the train stations of Dietlikon and Thalwil, as an SBB spokesperson explained when asked by the SDA news agency. It is not yet possible to say whether these ten campaigns were successful. As FDP General Secretary Stefan Brupbacher explained on request, the advertising at railroad stations will only be analyzed once the elections in Lucerne and Zurich are over. A decision will then be made together with SBB as to whether the parties should also be allowed to advertise in train stations for the national elections in the fall. The main point of discussion is likely to be the fees that SBB charges for the use of stations.
290 francs for the Thalwil ZH station
For a station such as Thalwil, which is close to Zurich and is also a busy transfer station, the daily charge is CHF 280. For other, smaller stations such as Nebikon, it is CHF 190. Far too much, as the parties argued at the start of the trial. Political parties only have limited budgets. In addition, such fees would contradict the Swiss system because the public is dependent on political information.
Passengers have not yet been asked whether they appreciate having flyers pressed into their hands or being involved in conversations while waiting. All that is known is that there have not yet been masses of complaints, said the SBB spokesperson. (SDA)
