Glarus renews public transport
With the total revision of its public transport law, the canton of Glarus is creating the basis for modern, sustainable and business-friendly mobility. Clear responsibilities, technological openness and full funding will strengthen the location in the long term.
With the total revision of the Public Transport Act (öVG), the canton of Glarus is setting a strategic milestone. The new law comprehensively regulates the organization, planning and financing of public transport. The aim is to create a comprehensive, demand-oriented and legally clear mobility infrastructure that is central to the economic development and attractiveness of Glarus as a business location.
The previous law from 1996 was no longer up to date. Changes in federal requirements, new regulations on compensation for regional passenger transport and technological developments required a fundamental revision. The Government Council therefore involved the Public Transport Commission at an early stage, whose recommendations have now largely been implemented.
Clear responsibilities, clear perspectives
One of the main aims of the revision is to clarify the often unclear responsibilities. All public transport matters are now clearly assigned to a competent authority. In future, the cantonal council will have comprehensive planning and management powers via a new public transport concept, which will serve as a strategic guiding document. The Government Council, in turn, can decide on adjustments within its financial competence. The public transport commission will remain in place as an advisory body.
In future, the actual ordering of transport services will be the responsibility of the relevant department, which must be guided by the adopted public transport concept. The reorganization creates efficiency, transparency and a modern governance structure.
Relief for municipalities and investment in mobility
A fundamental system change concerns financing. The canton will now assume all public transport costs that are not borne by the federal government. This means that co-financing by the municipalities is no longer required, including for local and excursion traffic. This means an annual reduction in the burden on municipal coffers.
At the same time, an important transport and settlement policy principle will be enshrined in law. All villages in the canton should remain accessible by public transport. In addition, the principle of a half-hourly service is assumed, with the possibility of defining exceptions in the public transport concept depending on the situation.
Rethinking transport – opportunities for the future
The new law takes account of changing mobility needs. New technologies, changes in leisure and work behavior and demand are fundamentally changing mobility behavior. Even if such services are not yet legally considered public transport, the new Public Transport Act provides scope for innovative developments and their possible integration into future strategies.
The will to shape the development of Braunwald is particularly evident. Braunwald should continue to be accessible by funicular. Although this is not yet project approval, the direction has been set – a strong signal for tourism too.
The law comes into force on January 1, 2026. Glarus is thus opening a new chapter in mobility policy. Clearly structured, sustainably financed and ready for the demands of the future.