To better cater to tourists and the local expat population, Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ) has rolled out new English language announcements on its public transport services. The company is set to expand its non-German language offerings in future, joining other providers like Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and PostBus in issuing more information in English.
Since the official timetable change on December 15, anyone taking a tram, train or bus across Zurich will be able to hear announcements in English. To make sure travellers transfer at the right station, all bus and tram services going through Zurich HB (Hauptbahnhof) and its surrounding stops will clarify in an announcement that they are arriving at Zurich "Main Station."
Up until now, only services to and from the airport have had English announcements, informing passengers to alight at the “airport - [and] change for passenger flights.” During major events like the recent Cycling World Championships, the company also provided English-language announcements informing passengers about pickpockets.
Speaking to Watson, VBZ spokesperson Judith Setz said that having more announcements in English made perfect sense for Zurich - a city which welcomes 1,4 million visitors from abroad every year, and where 13 percent of the resident population have English as their first language. She confirmed that in future, information about long-term diversions and disruption will also be displayed in both German and English.
Also since the timetable change, SBB has launched its own range of new English language announcements. These can be heard on platforms 33 and 34 at Zurich HB - the platforms where most trains to the airport depart. These haven't gone down too well with locals though, with Watson reporting that at peak times the addition of English announcements alongside the German ones means there are very few moments of silence.
English announcements are also becoming more commonplace in the mountains, with PostBus confirming that they have been rolling out the service on routes popular with tourists. On the Rheatian Railways, the rail provider for ski resorts and destinations in Graubünden, English announcements are now standard practice.
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