The Night Bus Experiment: Could 24/7 Public Transport Take Root in Switzerland?

Switzerland has long been known for its efficient and reliable public transport system, but a recent experiment in the canton of Graubünden is raising questions about the possibility of establishing a 24/7 public transport service across the country.

For the past month, a small post bus has been running continuously during the week between Lenzerheide and Albula in Graubünden, breaking away from the traditional schedule that ends public transport services sometime after midnight. The bus, which travels through Lenzerheide and Tiefencastel, operates until four in the morning, but with a unique twist – it only stops on request, requiring passengers to book the service at least a week in advance without any additional surcharge.

Thierry Müller, the head of public transport in the canton of Graubünden, expressed satisfaction with the initial response to the experimental service. Regular customers have already emerged, and the diverse customer group includes tourists, local residents, and employees of nearby companies.

While the Graubünden experiment is still in its early stages, the question arises: could other regions, especially major cities like Zurich, follow suit? The Zurich Transport Association (ZVV) is reportedly exploring the possibility of implementing a night bus service, although details and plans remain uncertain at this point.

ZVV spokesman Thomas Kellenberger told the "Aargauer Zeitung" that discussions are ongoing, emphasizing that no concrete plan has been established yet. The success of the Graubünden experiment may influence the decision-making process in Zurich.

However, the interest in night buses does not seem to extend uniformly across the country. In cities like Lucerne, Bern, and Basel, the idea of night buses during weekdays doesn't currently hold much appeal. Transportation authorities in these regions argue that the cost of implementing such a service may outweigh the demand, particularly in rural areas.

Nevertheless, there is a commitment to expanding night networks on weekends in various places. In Zurich, plans are underway to enhance connections and close gaps in the timetable by December 2025. The recent expansion of services in December 2021 resulted in a significant increase in passenger numbers.