Since 2014, Geneva public transport prices (TPG) have been enshrined in law. Any modification goes through the Grand Council and can be contested via a referendum. This is how in 2017, the people refused a price increase.
But that could soon change. On November 24, Genevans will have to decide on a legislative modification. Objective: give back the prerogative of setting prices to the TPG. The Council of State would be responsible for validating them. From then on, the population would no longer have a say.
For the right and the far right, the promoters of the project, this would offer more autonomy to public administration. In the eyes of the opponents – the left, the MCG and the unions behind the referendum – this would open the door to an increase in prices.
“The possibility offered to the people of being able to hold a referendum is an essential safeguard against the explosion of prices,” believes the socialist deputy, Matthieu Jotterand. Proof of this is: “Geneva prices are among the lowest in Switzerland. In Lausanne (VD), they are 30% more expensive, in Zurich, 50%. At a time when the middle class is paying more and more and costs are increasing in terms of health and housing, we must ensure that this will not be the case for public transport.” And to conclude. “You just need to see why this legal provision was introduced in 2014. Prices were increasing uncontrollably.”
For PLR MP, Céline Zuber-Roy, prices should be a prerogative of the TPG. “This is the principle of independent management. We must give it this flexibility so that it can use tariffs as a management tool. This would allow it to offer offers to influence usage, for example getting people to favor off-peak hours.” According to her, the reduction in fares to encourage the population to turn to public transport has not been effective. “Studies show that use is more linked to the services offered than to the price.”
The contested text is part of a proposal from the Council of State including, on the one hand, free TPG for those under 25, and on the other, the transfer of powers to set prices. If this bill was the subject of a referendum, free access for young people was subject to an appeal. The objective of this offer (just like the tax cut submitted to the vote on November 24) was to redistribute the tax revenues collected by the Canton in 2023, marked by a surplus of 1.4 billion francs.
In the canton of Vaud, “it is the Vaud Tariff Community which is responsible for setting prices. It is made up of thirteen public transport companies active in the cantonal territory. The Canton is also represented there,” summarize Lausanne Public Transport. Result: in Lausanne, the cheapest journey ticket costs 3.90 francs. At the end of the lake, it is 3 francs maximum.
