Mixed results

The results of today's referenda are mixed, with tram projects in both Bern and Zürich being approved, but Basel's trolleybus facing abandonment. In brief, the authorities got what they wanted in all three cases.

The Tram Zürich West (or strictly speaking, the provison of 59 million by the city for the financing thereof) was approved by 69.3 to 30.7% at a voter participation of 36%.

The Tram Bern West project (or the cantonal contribution of 33 million) was approved by 69.5 to 30.5% at a voter participation of 29.2%. The city's contribution of 26 million was approved in last November's referendum.

Basel's trolleybus is now set to be abandoned, with Pro Trolleybus' retention initiative being rejected by 53.7 to 46.3%. The cantonal counter-proposal, involving the purchase of gas buses was accepted by 57.0 to 43.0%. Asked to select between the two, suport for the trolleybus fell to 43.8 to 56.2%. Voter participation was 52.1%. This is very bad news for Basel: Almost all of the arguments used against the trolleybus (such as nuclear power, inflexibility, difficulties in extending across borders) can equally be used against the tram.

Search newslog archive for Tram Zürich West, Tram Bern West and Trolleybus Basel.

this item was added on 17.06.2007 (6158 days ago)
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