Fuel prices in Switzerland are falling, at last; the SBB is making further plans for the UK-bound train; plus more new in our roundup this Monday.
After months of record-breaking hikes, fuel prices in Switzerland are falling
For the first time since early September, the price of a litre of unleaded 95 petrol has dropped back below the 2-franc mark, averaging at 1.99 francs, according to figures from TCS motoring organisation.
This sudden drop can be attributed to political shifts in Washington: experts believe that Democrats’ victory in the midterm elections last week will accelerate US efforts to bring an end to the war in the Middle East and, subsequently, stabilise petrol prices.
Swiss national rail company is making further plans for the UK-bound train
Though the new train connecting Switzerland with London is still in planning stages, the SBB already said it wants to operate the line from three Swiss cities – Geneva, Zurich, and Basel – as they believe the demand for this route would be highest in these business-hub locations.
However, Zurich could face some logistical challenges for this route.
For instance, additional capacity would need to be found to run a new train along the heavily congested section between Zurich and Basel.
And unlike Basel and Geneva – where train stations are being expanded – Zurich has no major construction projects on the horizon, so it is not clear where a terminal to accommodate this new service could be integrated.
READ MORE: Switzerland to London train could hit the rails as soon as 2030
Zurich ranks among world’s safest cities
US travel insurance company Berkshire Hathaway has given Zurich top marks, placing it in the second place (after Montreal) for tourist safety, out of 38 municipalities surveyed.
The study found that Switzerland’s largest city is “as safe as a Swiss bank,” where visitors and locals enjoy a “strong sense of security.”
This assessment is made by examining risks such as threat of violence and terrorism, while also evaluating factors like the quality of hospitals and the safety of public transport.
Residents of a Zug municipality may very well be the luckiest in Switzerland
Thanks to a 55.5-million-franc budget surplus, Baar’s municipal coffers are overflowing with money (all towns should have that problem).
Therefore, authorities decided to share this windfall with local population: Each of the town’s 25,540 residents will receive a 100-franc payment in December.
This gesture will reduce the excess funds by over 2.5 million francs. The fate of the remaining 52.5 million remains unknown at this time.
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