postbus

Postbus refers to the rural public transportation network operated by PostBus Switzerland, the bus division of the Swiss postal service. It provides scheduled bus services in many rural and mountainous areas of Switzerland, connecting small communities with towns and with the national rail network. The service is designed to complement the broader Swiss public transport system and to maintain mobility in regions with limited rail coverage.

History: The Postbus network traces its origins to the early 20th century when the postal service expanded from mail delivery into passenger transport. It evolved from horse-drawn carriages to motor buses, gradually forming a nationwide network serving peripheral regions. The PostBus brand became a recognizable part of Swiss mobility, and today it operates under the Swiss Post umbrella as PostBus Switzerland.

Operations and fare system: Postbus services are integrated with other public transport modes and coordinated with regional timetables to enable transfers to trains and trams. Tickets and passes valid on Swiss public transport, such as the Swiss Travel Pass and Half-Fare Card, are generally usable on Postbus services, subject to fare rules.

Fleet and services: The fleet includes various bus types suited to mountain roads and narrow streets, with adaptations for winter conditions and challenging terrain. The company emphasizes safety, accessibility, and environmental standards, including ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

See also: Swiss Post, PostAuto, Public transport in Switzerland. Note: In Dutch, postbus also denotes a post office box.