Case Study
Clientis Randenbus – sustainable mobility in the Regional Nature Park Schaffhausen
Contact name
Pia Sulser
Institution name
Regionaler Naturpark Schaffhausen
Region & country
Switzerland, Schaffhausen
Summary
The Clientis Randenbus was launched in fall 2021 as a pilot project to reduce motorized individual traffic in the Randen hiking and excursion area in the Schaffhausen Regional Nature Park. Over 71 beautiful weekends and public holidays, the bus transported more than 3,400 passengers to the Randen, reducing traffic and wildlife park congestion. Thanks to positive feedback, the project was transferred to regular operation in October 2022. Based on the evaluation of the pilot phase, it was decided that the bus would run on Sundays and public holidays.
Haltestelle Kreuzplatz
©Schaffhauserland Tourismus / Seraina Keiser
Haltestelle Kreuzplatz
©Schaffhauserland Tourismus / Seraina Keiser
Background of the project
Before the project started, the Randen recreational area was particularly affected by motorized private transport and illegal parking, especially on weekends. The initiative to relieve the pressure on this natural and cultural landscape worthy of protection came from the Randen farmers. Solutions were sought in collaboration with the Schaffhausen Regional Nature Park. There was no direct public transport connection to the recreational area.
The aim was to reduce motorized individual transport and illegal parking in the Randen area. Improving public transport connections was intended to make access more sustainable and reduce the impact on the cultural landscape, which is worthy of protection. At the same time, leisure mobility was to be promoted and the visitor experience improved. The bus also serves for visitor management (“Besucherlenkung”).
Solution and actions taken
The solution was to launch a fair-weather bus service between Hemmental and the Randen hiking and excursion area. Two stops were set up at the car parking areas Kreuzweg and Mäserich. The service reduces motorized private transport, relieves pressure on the cultural landscape, and closes a gap in public transport.
In 2021, a pilot operation was implemented for a period of one year. The timetable was developed and coordinated in close cooperation with the Schaffhausen transport company. An operating licence was obtained and a minibus operator was hired. A comprehensive sponsorship concept was drawn up. At the same time, an awareness campaign was launched to sensitise visitors to the protection of the area.
Other institutions or parties involved
– City and Canton of Schaffhausen
– Schaffhausen Transport Services
– Clientis BS Bank
– Randen farmers
– KURA (Association of Randen Farmers)
– Pro Natura SH
– Randen Association
– Hunting Protection Association SH
– Randen municipalities
– BusAlpin
Results
Since the introduction of the Randenbus, illegal parking has decreased. The response from the public has been positive, and the service has been well received. Over 6,000 passengers have been counted since the pilot operation began. A second Randenbus has been launched outside the park perimeter. In addition, a law to support excursion traffic is being prepared.
Challenges
One challenge was the limited route, as only park communities could be included. Adjacent communities outside the park perimeter could not be included. Financing is challenging, as the canton and city only make annual commitments depending on the budget and parliamentary decisions. Weather dependency also complicates planning and budgeting.
Lessons learned
– Use the pilot operation as a test phase to make adjustments for regular operation
– Early involvement of local stakeholders at various levels (politics, local sponsors, local companies)
– Flexibility in operation is important (low utilization in bad weather)
Contact name
Pia Sulser
Institution name
Regionaler Naturpark Schaffhausen
Website(s)
