The municipality of Worb, including Rüfenacht, has introduced a new parking regulation. This new rule increases hourly parking fees by 50 centimes. It also extends paid parking hours to cover nights and Sundays. The changes took effect on October 1, 2025. These adjustments aim to standardize parking conditions across public parking areas in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Hourly parking fees in Worb and Rüfenacht have increased by 50 centimes.
- Paid parking now applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- The first hour of parking remains free, but the second hour is no longer free.
- The new rules standardize fees across all public parking lots in Worb.
New Parking Rules Take Effect in Worb
The Worber Parliament approved the new parking regulation during its December 2024 session. The municipal council then implemented the changes on October 1, 2025. This decision means drivers will pay more for parking in several areas. These areas include Hofmatt (Wislepark), Wislenboden, Worbboden, Schulhaus Wyden, and Schule Rüfenacht.
The primary goal of the new regulation is to create a unified parking fee structure. Previously, different public parking lots had varying rates. This led to confusion for drivers. Now, all designated public parking spaces will follow the same pricing model.
Parking Fee Changes
- Hourly Increase: Fees rise by 50 centimes per hour.
- Free Parking: Only the first hour remains free; the second hour now costs 1 franc.
- Extended Hours: Paid parking is now active 24/7, including nights and Sundays.
Increased Costs for Nighttime Parking
One of the most significant changes affects nighttime parking. Under the old system, drivers only paid for parking until 7 PM on weekdays. Parking was free overnight and on Sundays. The new regulation eliminates this free period.
Drivers who leave their vehicles in public parking lots overnight must now pay. This applies to all hours, every day of the week. The change impacts those who park their cars for extended periods, such as residents without private parking or visitors staying overnight.
"The previous system created an inconsistent experience for drivers. Standardizing fees and hours ensures fairness and improves management of our public parking resources," stated a spokesperson for the Worb municipal council.
Revised Fee Structure Details
The new fee structure shows a clear increase across most parking durations. While the first hour remains free, the second hour now costs 1 franc. Previously, the first two hours were free of charge.
For longer parking durations, the costs also reflect the 50-centime increase. For example, three hours of parking now cost 2 francs, up from 1.50 francs. Four hours cost 3 francs, an increase from 2.50 francs. However, there is a notable adjustment for very long-term parking.
Comparing Old and New Parking Fees (in Swiss Francs)
The table below shows the changes in parking fees:
| Hours | Previous (until Sept 30) | New (since Oct 1) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free | Free |
| 2 | Free | 1.00 |
| 3 | 1.50 | 2.00 |
| 4 | 2.50 | 3.00 |
| 11 | 15.50 | 10.00 (24-hour validity) |
| 12 | 17.50 | - |
Impact on Long-Term Parking
Interestingly, the cost for 11 hours of parking has decreased significantly. It now costs 10 francs, down from 15.50 francs. This 10-franc fee covers 24 hours of parking. This adjustment suggests a potential benefit for those needing to park for a full day or longer.
The previous 12-hour rate of 17.50 francs is no longer applicable. The new 24-hour rate provides a more straightforward and, in some cases, cheaper option for extended parking needs. This could encourage longer stays in the area for certain visitors or commuters.
Key Change for Extended Parking
- An 11-hour parking duration, previously 15.50 francs, now costs 10 francs.
- This 10-franc fee is valid for a full 24 hours.
- This represents a significant reduction for overnight or full-day parking.
Standardization Across Parking Facilities
The new regulation ensures that all public parking facilities operate under the same conditions. This includes popular spots like the Wislepark parking lot, which previously offered two free hours of parking.
Now, Wislepark parking aligns with all other public lots, offering only the first hour free. This consistency simplifies the rules for drivers, reducing the need to check different signs at various locations.
The municipal council also updated the ordinance concerning the use of public parking spaces. This ensures all legal aspects of the new system are covered. The changes reflect a broader effort to modernize local infrastructure management.
Community Response and Future Outlook
The introduction of these new parking fees and extended hours is a significant policy shift for Worb and Rüfenacht. While some drivers may face higher costs for shorter or overnight stays, the standardization aims to improve efficiency.
The long-term impact on local businesses and commuter habits remains to be seen. However, the municipal council expects these changes to contribute to better management of parking resources and potentially generate additional revenue for local services.
The decision to implement these changes followed a parliamentary vote on December 9, 2024. The council then finalized the activation date for October 1, 2025. This timeline allowed for public awareness campaigns and adjustments before the new rules became active.
Local media outlets, such as BERN-OST, have played a role in informing the public about these new regulations. They have detailed the changes to help residents and visitors understand the updated parking environment.
The new parking rules represent a modern approach to urban mobility and resource management in Worb. They balance the need for revenue with the demand for accessible parking, albeit at a revised cost structure.