Switzerland has one of the safest public transport systems in the world. But there is still room for improvement, especially when it comes to safety in urban transport. According to the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), so-called passenger incidents such as tripping when boarding or falling during emergency stops have increased in recent years. The Association of Public Transport (VöV) is now responding by launching a campaign for safety on trams and buses.
VöV campaign with a clear message
A national campaign will be rolled out in over 30 transport companies from the end of April 2025. Its goal: fewer accidents through better passenger behavior. The slogan: “It’s in your hands” – literally. This is because injuries are often caused by passengers not holding on or boarding in a hurry.
Focus on two weak points
Around half of all accidents on trams and buses are caused by two things:
- Getting on and off unsafely
- Not holding on during the journey
This is where the campaign comes in. Pressing the door button when getting on keeps the door open longer. Holding on or sitting down immediately reduces the risk for yourself and others.
“Hero Hand” as an eye-catcher
The main character of the campaign is a strikingly designed comic hand, known as the Hero Hand. It conveys what to do in a clear and appealing way. The motifs can be seen on posters, screens, flyers, and social media—directly in trams, buses, and at stops.
A small gesture, a big impact
The campaign shows that safety on public transport is not just the responsibility of drivers. Passengers also have a responsibility. Many accidents can be prevented with simple gestures – if you know what to do.
The campaign is run by the VöV. It is also supported by the FOT and the VVST. It is being implemented locally by transport companies. More than 30 transport companies from all over Switzerland are participating in the campaign.
