Swiss taxi fares the ‘most expensive’ in the world; many tenants have not received a rent reduction they are entitled to; and more news from Switzerland on Wednesday.
Switzerland is experiencing a shortage of pediatricians
The shortage is more or less severe depending on the cantons.
Nationwide, there is approximately one full-time pediatrician for every 1,600 children, according to a study by the University of Bern released on Tuesday.
The canton of Geneva fares better with one pediatrician for every 750 children, while Vaud has one for every 1,100 children.
Their density is, however, particularly low in Obwalden – one for every 4,150 children – as well as in Appenzell Ausserrhoden, with one for every 4,750 children.
Many tenants have not received rent reduction – even though they are entitled to it
With the benchmark mortgage rate remaining at 1.25 percent, a further rent reduction during the current lease term is unlikely.
But according to the Federal Housing Office, “if the rent is calculated on the basis of the previous rate – that is, of 1.50 percent or more – there is generally still a right to a reduction.”
However, the Swiss Tenants Association (ASLOCA), points out that many tenants who are eligible for the rent cut have not benefited from it, and it is not too late to ask their landlord for the reduction.
READ MORE: Why don’t more tenants in Switzerland ask for a rent reduction?
City officials want more 30 km/h zones to better adapt to climate change
The Conference of Cities for Mobility (CMV) is calling for more flexibility in implementing 30 km/h zones in their municipalities.
They consider this measure essential for improving the environment, wihch is increasingly impacted by the climate crisis.
That’s because these slow-traffic roads are narrower than‘regular’ ones, therefore ‘freeing up’ land for planting trees – a “key measure” for providing shade during summer heatwaves.
Switzerland’s taxi fares are most expensive in the world
This is according to an analysis carried out by the British insurance company Zego, which examined locations where taxi prices were highest this summer.
Based on fares in over 1,000 municipalities worldwide, Swiss cities dominate the ranking of the most expensive places.
Among them, Lucerne was found to be the priciest, with costs of approximately 58,89 francs for a 10-km journey, including 10 minutes of waiting time.
Zurich, Lausanne, Basel, and St. Gallen are also among the 10 most expensive cities in the survey.
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