Bicycle transport made easy with PostBus

Almost half of the traffic volume generated by the Swiss population is attributable to leisure traffic (recreational and entertainment activities). Tourism and leisure traffic passengers transported by PostBus contribute approximately 25 percent. The leisure traffic segment continues to grow.

PostBus has recognized the market potential of leisure traffic and combined mobility, especially the connection between human-powered mobility and public transportation, and has responded accordingly. In particular, PostBus facilitates the transport of bicycles. To offer bicycle transport services, PostBus has equipped its vehicles on certain routes with rear bicycle racks or special bicycle trailers. Typical biking regions include especially the Valais, Bern and the Grisons. In these regions, bicycle transport by postbus is available on all routes. All postbuses in these areas, with the exception of mini-buses and vehicles used for agglomeration traffic, are equipped with rear bicycle racks. In addition, bicycle trailers are available at important transfer points and tourism sites. Other attractive biking regions, such as eastern and western Switzerland and the Ticino, are gradually expanding their bicycle transport capacities. By 2013 PostBus will be able to offer bicycle transport services nationwide on all tourism and leisure-based routes.

Since the change in the timetable on 14 December 2008 PostBus has been accepting the national tariff 601 for self-service bicycle loading offered by the Swiss Railways (SBB AG), 40 railways and approximately 10 percent of the regional bus companies operating in Switzerland.

There are many good reasons why providers of public transportation should support PostBus in the nationwide expansion of its bicycle transport capacities:

• Leisure traffic is a growing market.
• PostBus is a partner of SwitzerlandMobility. PostBus took part in the development of a national hiking, biking, mountain biking, inline skating, and canoeing network. PostBus offers over 100 sections on different routes, either to save time, to bypass uphill travel or high-traffic areas, or for protection in the event of a sudden change in weather.
• Bicycle transport is an obvious customer need. The bicycle transports of PostBus are increasing by 50 percent every year, which demonstrates that supply creates demand.
• An attractive public transportation system is an important success factor, particularly in tourism regions. A significant expansion of the bicycle transport capacities of PostBus will support tourism services and promote the use of public transportation for travel to the alpine regions.