SBB faces backlash over cashless ticket machine testing

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is testing cashless operations at approximately 100 ticket machines across several Swiss stations, including Baden, Brugg, Fribourg, Olten, and Turgi. The company stated that the temporary deactivation of cash functions is a response to increased vandalism and break-ins at ticket machines.

The move has faced significant public backlash. A popular initiative has been submitted with over 15,000 signatures calling for the preservation of cash payment options for public services. Critics have described the reduction of cash accessibility as discriminatory.

According to a survey of 7,400 participants, 50 percent of respondents indicated they still primarily use cash to purchase train tickets. Additionally, the Federal Office of Transport has urged the public transport industry to continue providing analog and anonymous methods for ticket purchases.