PCP
Distance means a workable journey
A few kilometres can remain inaccessible without a car or with a long wait for return transport. Counter and transport schedules belong together. A location map does not show what older people, people with reduced mobility or shift workers can use.
The PCP proposes assessing complete journeys before reorganisation: travel there, obtain the service and return. Waiting, documents and repeat visits count. Additional burdens and funded alternatives must be identified.
The postal rule is not a universal 20-minute right
PostCom specifies postal access within 20 minutes on foot or by public transport for 90% of a canton’s resident population, with a different rule where home service is provided. A cantonal target necessarily leaves individual situations outside it. It does not automatically apply to administration, libraries or social services.
The PCP supports commitments suited to each service’s needs. An itinerant appointment may suit a rare procedure; frequent activities need regular presence. Affected people should participate and resources must follow.
Use municipal rights without inventing a veto
Before closing or moving a post office or agency, Swiss Post must consult the municipality and seek agreement. Without consensus, the municipality can refer to PostCom within 30 days of written notification. The commission examines procedure and legal criteria and issues a recommendation. Swiss Post makes the final decision.
A municipality therefore cannot simply prohibit closure. The PCP calls for expertise to document arguments, propose alternatives and use deadlines. Informed participation matters more than consultation treated as a formality.
Digital tools help when human support remains
Accessible portals reduce journeys and extend hours. They do not establish that everyone has equipment, connectivity or independence. Assistance should work without password sharing or exposing private information in open rooms.
The PCP supports equivalent channels. Assisted requests should not face longer waits because of their route. Funding must include that work even where straightforward cases mostly move online.
Protect continuity during change
Relocation, operator change or outage requires a way to recover ongoing files. Information should explain changes and useful contacts. Municipalities should not become the final fallback without relevant data or resources.
The PCP proposes local commitments covering access, hours, assistance and interruption arrangements within each authority’s powers. Scrutiny should begin with requests actually completed. Public proximity then becomes usable capacity rather than a point retained on a map.