Anyone who has moved to Basel with their kids knows that finding a school can be daunting. 
Driving cheaper than a train ride; Self-driving cars to be allowed on Swiss roads ; Swiss electricity prices fall in 2025
News For 10 September 2024
Train prices have soared in Switzerland, making car travel more economical, which is contrary to the government’s objective of shifting traffic from road to rail.
This is the finding of Switzerland’s official price monitor, who analysed the figures and compared the cost of both methods of transport. He found that the price of train tickets and travel cards soared in the last 10 years, while the cost of car journeys has increased only minimally during this period.
“The price/cost evolution between rail and road seen in the last 10 years continues to worsen,” he said.
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The first ‘autonomous’ vehicles could be permitted in Switzerland from 2025.
According to Jürg Röthlisberger, head of the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), cars with 'level 3' driver assistance systems will soon be approved.
These types of automobiles allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel on motorways while the car brakes, accelerates, changes lanes, and avoids obstacles on its own. However, the systems are not yet able to drive safely at night or in the rain.
Currently, FEDRO is working on creating the legal basis for this measure to be introduced.
"The Federal Council is expected to adopt the necessary ordinances still this year," FEDRO spokesperson said.
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After considerable price hikes in the past two years — 27 percent on average in 2023 and 18 percent this year — electricity tariffs will drop by an average of 10 percent in 2025, the Federal Electricity Commission (ElCom) announced on Thursday.
This means that for a ‘typical’ household, which annually consumes 4,500 kWh, electricity bill will be 141 francs lower compared to 2024.
However, price disparities among Swiss electricity suppliers are significant, so the amount of the decrease will depend not only on the place of residence and the size of dwelling, but also on the production capacity of the local electricity provider.