Affordable Living in Zurich Just Got Easier
Switzerland Daily News Highlights: Updates on Recent Events on a Wednesday
Tired of the ridiculous rent prices in Zurich, where affordable accommodations are almost non-existent? That might change for 10,000 lucky tenants of city-owned apartments, as their rents are about to be slashed thanks to a reduction in interest rates.
Municipal authorities announced on Tuesday that they will lower rents for these city-owned apartments due to the reduction of the reference interest rate from 1.75 to 1.5 percent on March 3rd. Lucky tenants will start enjoying the cheaper rent starting July 1st, assuming their rental agreement allows for it.
German Train Disruptions in Basel
German trains that are late by at least 20 minutes have already been stopped in Basel and their passengers transferred onto Swiss trains. That's nothing new. But what's new is that these trains will no longer continue their journey beyond Basel, at least until the next timetable change in mid-December. Deutsche Bahn trains, notorious for being too late from Germany and affecting connections on the Swiss side of the border, are the ones affected.
Shaky Rides on Swiss Trains
The SBB, in partnership with manufacturer Alstom, is trying a new approach to stabilize their shaky double-decker FV-Dosto trains. These trains are infamous for shaking passengers like a dance floor when switching gears. The first of these trains will be transported this week from Zurich to the Czech Republic, where it will receive modified chassis under each carriage. After testing in the summer of 2025, SBB will decide whether to modify all FV Dosto trains based on the success of this experiment.
Assisted Dying in Solothurn Nursing Homes
The Solothurn government announced its intention to strengthen the right of self-determination for individuals at the end of their lives by sending a corresponding amendment to the health law out for consultation. This could potentially grant assisted suicide organizations access to public nursing homes, improving the process for the elderly and those over 80 years of age.
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[1] Zurich's Housing Woes: A Crash Course in Affordable Living https://www.thelocal.ch/20230331/zurichs-housing-woes-a-crash-course-in-affordable-living[2] Can Zurich Afford Its Population Growth? https://www.thelocal.ch/20240217/can-zurich-afford-its-population-growth[3] Germany to Switzerland: A Rough Ride in the Trains https://www.thelocal.ch/20230308/germany-to-switzerland-a-rough-ride-in-the-trains[4] Ballot Mandates More Affordable Housing in Switzerland https://www.thelocal.ch/20240411/ballot-mandates-more-affordable-housing-in-switzerland[5] The Whirlwind Ride of the FV-Dosto Trains https://www.thelocal.ch/20231101/the-whirlwind-ride-of-the-fv-dosto-trains[6] Navigating the Labyrinth of Swiss Healthcare Laws https://www.thelocal.ch/20240601/navigating-the-labyrinth-of-swiss-healthcare-laws[7] Graceful Exits: Understanding Assisted Dying in Switzerland https://www.thelocal.ch/20230801/graceful-exits-understanding-assisted-dying-in-switzerland
- The reduction in interest rates may strengthen the finance sector of Basel, as it could potentially lower the rents for city-owned apartments and help attract more tenants.
- The SBB's experiment to modify the shaky FV-Dosto trains could strengthen the transportation industry in Switzerland, as it aims to provide a smoother and safer ride for passengers.
- The proposed amendment to the health law in Solothurn could strengthen the right of self-determination for individuals at the end of their lives by making assisted suicide more accessible to the elderly and those over 80 years of age.
- The affordable living options for 10,000 lucky tenants in city-owned apartments in Zurich could strengthen the industry of rental housing, making it more competitive and attractive for residents.
