Road network considered congested – but pressure to act remains low
A follow-up survey conducted by gfs.bern on behalf of the canton of Basel-Landschaft on the vote on the 2023 expansion of the national roads paints a mixed picture: Although voters in the canton of Basel-Landschaft recognise capacity problems on the roads, they feel that the pressure to act is limited. This explains the contrasting attitudes towards the expansion of the national roads.
On 24 November 2024, Swiss voters rejected the proposal with 52.7 per cent voting against it. In the canton of Basel-Landschaft, however, a majority of 53.5 per cent voted in favour. The planned Rhine tunnel was a particular focus of attention: while the majority of voters in Muttenz recognised its benefits, scepticism prevailed in Birsfelden. These neighbouring municipalities with similar political profiles thus reacted in strikingly different ways.
Clear patterns in voting behaviour
The post-analysis confirms familiar patterns from the VOX study: men, high-income and conservative voters were more likely to vote yes. Women, lower-income groups and those with left-wing or green political leanings rejected the proposal by a majority. Means of transport also played a role: those who commute regularly by car were significantly more likely to support the expansion. Conversely, people who mainly use public transport or bicycles were more likely to vote no.
Perception of traffic jams and pollution
Almost three-quarters of those surveyed believe that there are too many traffic jams in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. Nevertheless, many do not feel strongly affected: 62 per cent said they were satisfied with the traffic situation for motorised private transport. This means that a structural perception of the problem clashes with limited suffering. For those in favour, relief and traffic flow were the main concerns. Opponents, on the other hand, feared more traffic, additional pollution in neighbourhoods and years of construction work.
Motives for approval and rejection
38 per cent of supporters cited the prospect of fewer traffic jams as their main argument, while a further 27 per cent spoke of a general reduction in traffic congestion. References to the need for expansion and to regional projects such as the Rhine tunnel also played a role. On the other side, ecological concerns, criticism of the promotion of car traffic and the assumption that more roads ultimately generate more traffic dominated the debate. High construction costs and a contradiction with climate targets were also frequently mentioned.
Satisfaction with public transport
The assessment of public transport is much more positive: 84 per cent were satisfied with the service. This means that approval is significantly higher than for motorised private transport. Criticism of public transport was mainly directed at gaps in the service, such as missing connections or intervals, rather than the system itself. This underlines the broad acceptance of public transport as a cornerstone of mobility.
Protection against diversionary traffic enjoys broad support
There is consensus on the protection of town centres: 83 per cent of voters are in favour of measures against diversionary traffic. Projects to promote public transport and cycling (73 per cent) also enjoy broad support. Women and people on the political left are particularly supportive of these approaches. Road construction projects that exclusively prioritise motorised private transport, on the other hand, receive little support.
Conclusion: a divided society, clear preferences
The post-analysis shows that the population is divided on the fundamental question of ‘more roads to combat congestion or fewer roads for the environment and quality of life?’. Men, people who travel frequently by car and middle-class circles are more in favour of expansion. Women, environmentally conscious groups and public transport users prefer other solutions. However, there is agreement on two points: public transport works and enjoys public trust, and the quality of life in town centres should be protected from diversionary traffic.
If you are looking for further information on the study, you can find it in the final report (in German): Download final report.
