Background

Coronavirus: completely new timetable

The coronavirus also means avoiding public transport. This is why PostBus produced a new timetable within a short space of time. What is Swiss Post doing to protect customers and employees? And how are mail carriers dealing with the current situation?

Sandra Gonseth

Rich Content Section

Marc Andri ­Leuthold, Head of Timetable Planning at PostBus.

Marc Andri ­Leuthold, Head of Timetable Planning at PostBus

“We reduced the timetable from 15-minute to 30-minute intervals and from 30-minute to 60-minute intervals, and in some cases to a two-hour interval. The fact that our planning system was unable to provide the support required at this time – due to our working from home – was a major challenge for us. We are growing closer as a company and as a society, and will emerge from this crisis stronger. I nevertheless still wonder what lessons we will learn and what issues will be addressed in future?”

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Such a far-reaching change to the timetable in such a short space of time is completely unprecedented. Over 30 experts from PostBus – in close cooperation with other transport companies – produced a completely new timetable for all 900 lines. This process would normally take several months. But why this major overhaul?

Fewer passengers

The coronavirus outbreak has had a huge impact on public transport: PostBus is reporting a fall in passenger numbers of 50% to 80%. That is why the timetable had to be drastically scaled back, while maintaining a basic service for the public. A different approach was taken to tourist transport and night-time services at the weekend, which were cancelled under a Federal Council resolution.

Protecting employees

  • Front door remains closed
  • Ticket sales by the driver no longer possible
  • No ticket inspections
  • Customers are requested to purchase their tickets online
  • The front row of seats is cordoned off on all buses
  • Distribution of disinfectants to clean the driver’s cabins

written by

Sandra Gonseth

Editor

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A mail carrier at work.

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An employee serves a customer at the counter.