Fan violence City of Zurich wants to get public transport running again during football matches
The Altstetten, Albisrieden and Grünau districts of Zurich are no longer to be left so far behind by public transport during football matches. Zurich's public transport operator VBZ is planning to keep Albisriederplatz open again from the 2024/2025 football season.
03.07.2024, 14:29
03.07.2024, 14:57
SDA
Since February 2022, residents of some city districts have had to walk to a potentially dangerous football match at Letzigrund. This was triggered by rowdy fans and a streetcar driver who was beaten up.
After the city council eased the restrictions somewhat last summer, there are now plans to make further improvements for local residents.
As the VBZ announced on Wednesday, Albisriederplatz will remain open after the end of matches from the start of the season on July 20. This means that streetcar line 3 will run regularly again. However, anyone wishing to use line 2 will still have to allow extra time.
Changing to the bus
As the Letzigrund, Freihofstrasse and Kappeli stops will still not be served, residents will have to change to the number 80 bus for part of the route. However, streetcar line 2 will be back on the normal route "as soon as possible" after the end of the match, VBZ promise.
The Altstetten and Albisrieden districts are satisfied with this solution for the time being. A practicable solution has been found. However, this solution requires personnel: in addition to additional security staff, VBZ customer advisors are also needed.
In addition, FCZ fan escorts will be posted on Albisriederplatz so that they can de-escalate tricky situations.
FCZ gives fans rules of conduct
FCZ will also inform its fans in the stadium about the public transport situation after the end of the match with video screen displays and loudspeaker announcements. It will also make fans aware of "the most important rules of conduct", the club announced.
However, the city reserves the right to revoke the relaxation and close Albisriederplatz to public transport again. This could become necessary in the event of large crowds, riots or high-risk matches.
