Graubünden and PostBus answer public transport petition

In their petition, the more than 8,000 signatories call for the reintroduction of ticket sales by drivers and the option of cash payment on Postbuses. They argue that eliminating cash sales disadvantages people who are unfamiliar with digital means of payment. Ticket sales by drivers have been a proven practice for decades and should be made possible again.

Reasons for digitalization

Since 2018, there has been a shift in Switzerland towards digital sales systems in public transport. There are various reasons for this. More and more passengers are using digital payment methods. In Switzerland, 76 percent of tickets and travelcards are now purchased digitally. In 2025, 2 percent of public transport passengers across Switzerland bought tickets from drivers at PostBus. Customers expect simple, digital solutions that include cashless payments, reservations and bicycle transport. If public transport companies continue to operate analogue systems (such as on-board cash registers) alongside their digital services, despite these systems being used less and less, this results in high investment and operating costs without offering corresponding operational added value.

In day-to-day operations, dispensing with ticket sales by drivers helps to stabilize operations and creates travel time reserves. Additional downtimes during boarding caused by ticket sales have a negative impact on travel times and the stability of connections.

In the Canton of Graubünden, all transport companies – including PostBus, Rhaetian Railway, Chur Bus, Engadin Bus and the Davos public transport company – have decided, together with the Canton, to introduce the “Venda” cashless and paperless ticket sales system. This system enables ticket purchases via SwissPass, credit and debit cards and prepaid cards. Ticket sales by drivers in bus companies were discontinued gradually and this move has been implemented throughout the entire canton since December 2025.

Cash payment remains possible with a prepaid card

In their reply to the petitioners, the Canton of Graubünden and PostBus state that, despite the discontinuation of ticket sales by drivers, access to public transport remains guaranteed even for passengers who prefer cash payment. The VendaPrepaid value card offers an equivalent alternative: it can be purchased with credit of 10 or 20 francs at any point of sale and from drivers in vehicles with cash. The credit on the card allows you to purchase tickets anonymously at Venda terminals.
Passengers also have access to various points of sale that accept cash. Furthermore, multiple-trip tickets or travelcards are also cost-effective alternatives for frequent travellers.

The Canton and PostBus are committed to public transport for all

For the Canton of Graubünden and public transport companies in Graubünden, digitalization in public transport is a necessary step towards ensuring efficiency and stability and meeting the changing needs of customers. At the same time, cash payment via the VendaPrepaid card remains possible and represents an equivalent alternative to the previous ticket purchasing options.

The Canton of Graubünden and PostBus have taken note of the petition. It is very important to them that public transport remains equally accessible to all people. However, there are no plans for a return to ticket sales by drivers for the reasons stated. As purchasers of regional passenger transport, the Canton of Graubünden and PostBus will continue to work with other transport companies in Graubünden to ensure that public transport meets the diverse and changing needs of the public.