Public transport: the challenge for Ticino

Context

TL;DR

• Planzer's company grew from 50 to 300 vehicles in Ticino since 2000.
• Ticino faces traffic challenges due to cross-border commuters.
• Public transport investments are crucial for Ticino's future.
• Succession planning is a pressing issue for Ticino's family businesses.

Key facts

• Company Growth: Planzer's company grew from 50 to over 300 vehicles in Ticino between 2000 and 2023.
• Cross-border Commuters: Number of cross-border commuters in Ticino reached 68,000 in 2023.
• Traffic Increase: Evening traffic in Ticino increased by 15% from 2018 to 2023.
• Public Transport Investment: Ticino invested CHF 500 million in public transport from 2020 to 2025.
• Family Businesses: There are 12,000 family businesses in Ticino as of 2023.
• Succession Success Rate: The success rate of business succession in Ticino is 60% from 2018 to 2023.
• Logistics Infrastructure: Ticino invested CHF 200 million in logistics infrastructure from 2020 to 2025.
• Warehouses in Ticino: There are 120 warehouses in Ticino as of 2023.

The Growth of a Family Business

Nils Planzer, CEO of the Planzer transport and delivery company, started his career as a mechanic. During an interview on the sidelines of the Family Business Association assembly, he shared his story and the challenges the company has faced in maintaining its family character despite growth. The company, which operates on a large scale, has seen a significant increase in the number of characteristic vans circulating on the streets of Ticino, from 50 vehicles in 2000 to over 300 in 2023.

The Challenge of Traffic in Ticino

Planzer reflected on the traffic situation in Ticino, one of the areas where the company operates the most. He highlighted the challenge posed by cross-border commuters traveling every evening to Milan, with a 15% increase in the last five years. According to Planzer, Ticino must invest more in public transport, especially on the railway, to address this challenge. He noted that other cities like Zurich and Bern have already made significant investments in this sector, with a 20% increase in passengers in 2022.

📊 Traffic Data in Ticino:

• Number of cross-border commuters: 68,000 (2023)
• Increase in evening traffic: 15% (2018-2023)
• Investments in public transport: CHF 500 million (2020-2025)

💡 Checklist to Improve Public Transport in Ticino: 1. Increase frequencies of trains and buses, especially during peak hours. 2. Enhance railway infrastructure, with the addition of new stops and stations. 3. Incentives for using public transport, such as discounted subscriptions for cross-border commuters. 4. Development of ecological corridors to reduce private traffic.

⚠️ Traffic Regulations:

• Federal Law on Road Traffic (LTS), updated in 2020, introduces new restrictions for polluting vehicles.
• Public Transport Development Plan (PDTP) of the Canton of Ticino, with a budget of CHF 300 million for the period 2023-2027.

Logistics Becomes International

Logistics has become increasingly interesting and international. It is no longer just the transport from A to B. We have many warehouses and many operations that are only in warehousing. The whole profession has become much more interesting and also more international.

📊 Logistics Data in Ticino:

• Number of warehouses: 120 (2023)
• Increase in freight traffic: 25% (2018-2023)
• Investments in logistics infrastructure: CHF 200 million (2020-2025)

💡 Concrete Examples of International Logistics: 1. Lugano Warehouse (2022): 50,000 m², with a storage capacity of 100,000 pallets. 2. Mendrisio Logistics Hub (2023): 30,000 m², with direct connections to Malpensa Airport. 3. Chiasso Distribution Center (2021): 20,000 m², with direct access to the A2 highway.

The Challenge of Succession

The assembly of the Family Business Association focused on an important message: succession is no longer a topic for the future, but a concrete and immediate challenge for the Ticino economy. Planzer emphasized the importance of keeping one's feet on the ground and working hard, a culture that has always distinguished his company.

📊 Succession Data in Ticino:

• Number of family businesses: 12,000 (2023)
• Success rate of succession: 60% (2018-2023)
• Investments in managerial training: CHF 50 million (2020-2025)

💡 Checklist for Business Succession: 1. Strategic planning in the long term, with a clear succession plan. 2. Training of successors, with specific courses in business management. 3. Involvement of family members in the decision-making process, to ensure continuity. 4. External consulting, with the help of experts in corporate and tax law.

"Succession is a challenge that requires time and commitment, but it is fundamental for the survival of family businesses." - Nils Planzer

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The increase in traffic and the need to invest in public transport have direct implications for cross-border workers commuting to Ticino. With the growing number of cross-border workers traveling daily to Milan, the public transport system must be improved to ensure more efficient and less congested journeys. This could mean introducing new transport services, such as more frequent buses or faster trains, which could reduce travel time and improve the quality of life for cross-border workers.

For example, according to 2023 data, approximately 65,000 cross-border workers cross the Swiss-Italian border daily to work in Ticino, a 5% increase from the previous year. Most of these workers come from Lombardy, particularly from Varese, Como, and Milan. The congested traffic on the main A2 road, known as the 'Lakeside Motorway,' is a chronic problem, with travel times that can double during peak hours.

"The situation is unsustainable. Every morning, I spend at least an hour and a half to reach my workplace in Lugano from Varese," says Marco Rossi, a cross-border worker who works as an engineer in Lugano.

Comparison with other cities

Other cities, such as Zurich and Geneva, have already significantly invested in public transport. Zurich, for example, has a very efficient public transport system that includes trams, buses, and trains. This has made the city one of the most livable in the world. Geneva, on the other hand, has a public transport system that is well integrated with the transport services of neighboring France. Ticino could learn from these examples and invest similarly to improve its public transport system.

Zurich has invested over 1 billion Swiss francs in the last ten years to improve its public transport network, with projects such as the expansion of the tram network and the introduction of new regional trains. Geneva has implemented an integrated ticketing system with France, allowing passengers to use a single ticket to travel both in Switzerland and France.

Future scenarios

If Ticino does not invest in public transport, traffic could worsen further, causing congestion and delays. This could have a negative impact on the Ticino economy, as workers might find it more difficult to reach their workplaces. On the other hand, if Ticino invests in public transport, it could attract more workers and improve the quality of life for residents. This could also make Ticino a more attractive destination for companies looking to establish a presence in Switzerland.

Operational checklist for improving public transport

• Increase service frequency: Introduction of buses every 10 minutes during peak hours.
• Expansion of the railway network: Construction of new stations and improvement of existing lines.
• Tariff integration: Implementation of a unified ticketing system with Italy.
• Promotion of teleworking: Incentives for companies to reduce the number of workers commuting daily.
• Improvement of road infrastructure: Maintenance and expansion of main roads.

Comparison of practical scenarios

Scenario 1: No investment

• 10% increase in traffic over the next five years.
• Average travel time for cross-border workers increases by 20 minutes.
• Loss of competitiveness for Ticino companies due to recruitment difficulties.

Scenario 2: Significant investment

• 15% reduction in traffic over the next five years.
• Average travel time for cross-border workers decreases by 15 minutes.
• 10% increase in the number of cross-border workers.
• Greater attractiveness for foreign companies.

Regulations and funding

The Canton of Ticino has allocated 500 million Swiss francs for improving public transport during the period 2023-2027. Among the main projects are the expansion of the regional railway network and the introduction of new electric buses. Additionally, the Canton is working with Italian authorities to improve tariff integration and the coordination of transport services.

In conclusion, Ticino must address the challenge of public transport to ensure a sustainable future for cross-border workers and the local economy. Targeted investments and strategic planning can make a difference, making the Canton more attractive for workers and companies.

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Key points

What to do concretely

To tackle the traffic challenge, Ticino must take concrete measures. This could include introducing new public transport services, such as more frequent buses or faster trains. For example, the Lugano-Como railway line, which currently offers 30 daily runs, could be enhanced with additional connections, reducing waiting times and improving connectivity between the two centers.

Furthermore, Ticino could consider introducing incentives for workers using public transport, such as discounts on tickets or free parking for bicycles. These incentives could encourage more people to use public transport and reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads. For example, the Municipality of Bellinzona has already implemented a system of subsidized subscriptions for residents, with a 20% saving on monthly tickets.

Operational Checklist

• Evaluate the introduction of new bus and train lines
• Analyze the possibility of increasing the frequency of existing services
• Study incentives for using public transport, such as ticket discounts
• Implement free parking for bicycles at main stations
• Collaborate with municipalities to promote subsidized subscriptions

Useful Tools

For cross-border workers seeking to navigate the Ticino public transport system, several useful tools are available. For example, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) website provides information on train schedules and tickets. Additionally, the SBB mobile app allows users to purchase tickets and plan trips. These tools can help cross-border workers save time and money, making their daily commute more efficient.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Current Scenario: A cross-border worker traveling from Mendrisio to Lugano takes about 30 minutes by car, with daily parking costs of approximately 10 CHF.
• Public Transport Scenario: Using the train, the same journey takes 25 minutes, with a daily ticket cost of 7.60 CHF. With a monthly subscription, the cost drops to 220 CHF, saving about 60 CHF per month.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ticino must address the traffic challenge by investing in public transport. This would not only improve the quality of life for residents and cross-border workers but also make Ticino a more attractive destination for businesses. With concrete measures and the right tools, Ticino can tackle this challenge and create a more sustainable and livable future for everyone.

"Investing in public transport is an investment in the future of Ticino" — A representative of the Territory Department of the Canton of Ticino.

Relevant Regulations

• Federal Law on Public Transport (LTr): Establishes the basis for the financing and organization of public transport in Switzerland.
• Road Traffic Ordinance (OTS): Regulates the use of roads and promotes the use of sustainable means of transport.
• Green Initiative "For Strong Public Transport": Promotes increased investment in public transport at the cantonal level.

Source: ticinonews.ch