In Geneva, the right-wing majority of the Grand Council has gutted the five-year service contract for Geneva Public Transport (TPG). She decided on Friday to only grant compensation for 2025. The State will have to discuss again with the public administration.
The service contract provided for granting a total of 1.9 billion francs to TPG for the years 2025-2029. A sum which should make it possible to realize the action plan on public transport, accepted in March by parliament. This plan provides for a 30% increase in the offer, recalled in plenary the majority rapporteur Jacques Jeannerat, of Libertés et justice sociale.
The increase in compensation was thus aimed at developing the leisure offer and continuing the development of the tram network, without increasing prices. It should also allow TPGs to continue their investments with a view to the complete electrification of the fleet by 2030. “Public transport is the most appropriate measure to respond to the problem of mobility,” argued Jacques Jeannerat . An opinion shared by the Greens and the PS.
“Very damaging”, according to Pierre Maudet
In the absence of a minority report, support for this service contract seemed certain. But UDC MP Michael Andersen denounced a disproportionate increase of 60% in cantonal funding. His amendments aimed at removing compensation from 2026 to 2029 were accepted by the right-wing majority. Result: only the 2025 subsidy is assured.
Opposed to these amendments, State Councilor Pierre Maudet, in charge of Mobility, recalled the control mechanisms and that the subsidy is reduced if the objectives are not achieved. In view of the modification of the service contract, the third debate did not take place. “A contract requires the agreement of both parties. This return to the sender is very damaging,” lamented the magistrate.