BLS ticket machines across the Canton of Bern will soon operate without cash. This change will save the company approximately 400,000 Swiss francs annually. Passengers in the cantons of Lucerne and Neuchâtel will still be able to use coins for their ticket purchases.
Key Takeaways
- All BLS ticket machines in Bern Canton will become cashless.
- The move is expected to save BLS 400,000 Swiss francs per year.
- Lucerne and Neuchâtel cantons will retain cash payment options.
- The transition will occur between December 2025 and mid-2026.
- Bernese parliament's request to keep cash options was rejected due to high costs.
BLS Implements Cashless System in Bern
BLS announced on Tuesday that its ticket machines in the Canton of Bern will no longer accept cash. This decision aligns with the company's strategy to modernize its services and reduce operational costs. The transition will make ticket purchasing more efficient for most customers.
The company noted that the majority of its passengers already buy tickets through digital platforms. This trend supports the shift towards cashless systems at stations, stops, and on buses. BLS aims to maintain a presence of ticket machines while ensuring their cost-effective operation.
"Accepting cash increases operational costs due to the need for coin and banknote validators," BLS stated. "These components are also more prone to malfunctions than cashless systems."
Cost Savings
BLS expects to save around 400,000 Swiss francs each year by removing cash handling from its Bernese ticket machines. This significant saving contributes to the company's financial efficiency goals.
Cantonal Differences in Payment Options
While Bern embraces cashless transactions, the cantons of Lucerne and Neuchâtel will keep cash payment options available on BLS machines. This difference is due to specific requests from these cantons. Lucerne and Neuchâtel have agreed to cover the additional costs associated with maintaining cash functionality.
In contrast, the Canton of Bern, which is the majority shareholder of BLS, supports the railway's decision to move towards cashless machines. This backing was crucial for the implementation of the new policy in Bern.
Bernese Parliament's Stance
The issue of cash payments has been discussed within Bernese politics. In 2024, the cantonal parliament requested that BLS machines continue to accept cash. However, the Bernese Department of Transport concluded that this proposal was not feasible. They cited the substantial costs involved in maintaining cash handling capabilities.
This highlights a divergence between political wishes and practical financial considerations for public transport operators. The focus remains on balancing customer convenience with operational efficiency.
Timeline for Machine Modernization
The upgrade of BLS ticket machines will take place in phases. The process is scheduled to begin in December 2025 and conclude by mid-2026. During this period, existing machines will be replaced or updated to support only cashless payments.
Customers will have several cashless payment options. These include debit and credit cards, Twint, and Postcard. BLS will also offer an anonymous prepaid card. This card can be topped up with cash at BLS sales points, providing an alternative for those who prefer to manage their travel budget using physical money.
Digital Payments Growing
The shift to cashless payments reflects a broader trend in Switzerland. Many consumers now prefer digital methods for daily transactions. This includes public transport, where mobile apps and contactless cards are widely used.
SBB's Pilot Project with Cashless Machines
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is also exploring cashless ticket machines. SBB is running a pilot project until the end of 2025 at Freiburg and Olten stations. The trial aims to assess how customers react to machines that do not accept cash.
During this test phase, some machines at both stations will continue to accept cash. This allows SBB to compare customer behavior and preferences. A spokesperson confirmed that this dual approach ensures a smooth transition and gathers important data.
Future Plans for SBB
SBB plans to decide its future strategy after evaluating the results of the pilot project. The company's long-term goal is to offer as many services as possible without cash. This move is intended to increase security and reduce costs. SBB has also stated its commitment to providing alternatives for customers who prefer to pay with cash, even as it moves towards a more digital future.
The overall trend in Swiss public transport indicates a clear move towards digital and cashless solutions. This reflects technological advancements and changing consumer habits. Companies like BLS and SBB are adapting to these shifts while trying to address the needs of all passenger groups.
- Payment Methods: Debit cards, credit cards, Twint, Postcard.
- Cash Alternative: Anonymous prepaid card rechargeable with cash at BLS sales points.
The modernization efforts aim to improve service efficiency and security. They also seek to align with the growing preference for digital transactions across the country. The experiences in Bern, Lucerne, Neuchâtel, Freiburg, and Olten will provide valuable insights for future public transport strategies in Switzerland.