Postal Minister Albert Rösti is proposing reforms to reduce costs for Swiss Post. The Federal Council’s proposals aim to achieve this by giving Swiss Post more flexibility in delivering letters and packages. However, the current obligation for the post office to deliver a certain percentage of letters and packages on time is set to be reduced to at least 90 percent, allowing for cost savings during peak periods like the holiday season.
One significant change is lifting the obligation for postmen to deliver to all houses in Switzerland that are inhabited year-round, now applying only to inhabited settlements. This will reduce costs as around 60,000 households will no longer receive direct delivery. Alternative solutions like delivery points at crossroads or branch collection points are being proposed. The goal is to reduce costs for the post office amid declining letter volumes and branch visits, with the expectation of a further decline by 2030.
Rösti’s department has also recommended merging A-Post and B-Post into a new standard letter and introducing digital elements like online banking for basic account holders. While some measures like reducing mandatory delivery days have been suggested, Rösti believes there is still demand for daily deliveries and that additional steps may not be necessary in the near future. The overall aim is to modernize basic services and reduce costs for Swiss Post, with the potential for significant savings by 2026.
The proposals have been praised as a step towards a future-oriented mandate by the Swiss Post, with a consultation draft expected by the end of February 2025. The Federal Council sees the modernization of basic services as essential for the future, with an emphasis on maintaining quality while adapting to changing demands. Despite the changes, the Swiss Post remains committed to providing the best punctuality in Europe, even with the proposed adjustments to delivery standards.
