The closure of the travel centers is being done in consultation with the Zurich Transport Association, as the SBB writes in a statement. The locations in Andelfingen, Bauma, Bubikon, Dielsdorf, Pfäffikon and Wald will be converted into self-service stations as of January 1, 2025.
“The frequency and ticket sales in these travel centers are very low,” is how SBB justified the reduction in services. In the interests of economical and budgetary use of public funds, the decision was made to eliminate service in the train stations. In general, the number of customers in small travel centers is declining sharply.
After the closures on January 1, 2025, there are still 27 staffed train stations in the canton. As of July 1, 2022, the SBB closed the counters at the Dietlikon, Hinwil, Kloten, Männedorf and Oberwinterthur train stations in the Zurich area. Even then, they pointed out that 95 percent of ticket purchases take place via digital and other self-service channels.
The Tösstal line interest group has criticized the closing of the counters. By closing the last two stations in the Tösstal, the SBB is moving down a “path of wild and crazy austerity,” the association said. In addition to the damage to rail passengers, there is a fear that the station staff saved in the Tösstal will be increased at the SBB headquarters in Bern, the statement said.
