Press releases
Significant fall in passenger numbers
Last year, for the first time in recent history, PostBus recorded a decline in passenger numbers. The pandemic had a major impact: PostBus transported around 25% fewer passengers in 2020 at 127 million people. At 121 million kilometres, the distance covered was similar to the previous year.
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It was an extraordinary year for PostBus in many respects. As the system leader in regional public transport on the road, PostBus – in coordination with SBB – assumed responsibility for organizing the operational measures to protect staff and to ensure the uniform implementation of the measures imposed by the Federal Office of Public Health. In addition to a task force, the system leadership coordination unit (SysKo) was also set up. The various restrictions on public life due to the pandemic led to a sharp decline in passenger numbers: the number of passengers dropped by a quarter from over 167 million to 127 million. Ticket sales on board vehicles were stopped for several months and some timetables were modified.
The 2,443 Postbuses on scheduled services throughout Switzerland nevertheless covered 121 million kilometres in total (previous year 124 million) and ran on 365 days of the year, covering the 13,489 stops on all 936 lines. The decrease in kilometres travelled meant greenhouse gas emissions were reduced directly and indirectly: the CO2 equivalent fell by 5.5% from 160,734 to 152,662 tonnes.
Passengers remain very satisfied with the company’s overall performance: the customer satisfaction index improved from 80 to 82 points. As at 31 December 2020, PostBus employed 4,614 staff (previous year 4,452) whose workloads equal 4,058 full-time equivalents (previous year 3,865). PostBus is proud of successfully maintaining basic services on behalf of the Swiss Confederation at this difficult time. The adverse effects of the pandemic will nevertheless be felt for a long time to come. PostBus must also anticipate lower passenger numbers over the coming years.
Information: PostBus Switzerland Ltd, Media Unit, 058 / 338 57 00, infomedia@postbus.ch
Further information: 2020 Annual and Financial Report of Swiss Post, including PostBus.
