Switzerland's bold plan: Tax flights to fund free train travel for all

A new climate initiative in Switzerland aims to tax flights while rewarding residents with public transport vouchers. The proposal, backed by environmental groups, would introduce levies on plane tickets and use the funds to boost rail travel. Supporters have now begun collecting signatures to push for a national vote.

Under the plan, every Swiss resident would receive vouchers worth around CHF 110. These could be spent on domestic and international train and bus journeys or used to buy a half-fare travelcard. Alternatively, people could transfer their vouchers to others.

The initiative also proposes a flight tax: CHF 30 for short-haul European flights, CHF 120 for long-haul routes, and CHF 500 for private jets. The scheme is projected to generate CHF 1.5 billion annually. A portion of this revenue would fund climate-friendly mobility projects, while the rest would expand international rail services, including night trains.

Public opinion appears to favour the idea. A recent survey showed broad support for a flight tax. However, centre-right parties remain unconvinced by the proposal.

For the initiative to proceed, organisers must gather 100,000 signatures within 18 months. If successful, the measure would trigger a nationwide vote on amending Switzerland's Federal Constitution.

The initiative's backers are now campaigning to collect enough signatures for a referendum. If approved, the flight levy would fund public transport improvements and climate projects. Residents would also gain vouchers to offset travel costs.