Swiss Bus Drivers Face Daily Aggression as Study Finds 67% Suffer Chronic Neck Pain
14.06.2026 - 00:42:58 | boerse-global.de
Shouting matches, threats, and physical assaults are part of the daily routine for more than one in ten Swiss bus drivers — and the constant pressure is taking a heavy toll on their health. A new study presented Thursday by Unisanté in Lausanne, known as the Trapheac study, reveals that a staggering 67 percent of public-transport drivers report chronic neck pain, while 60 percent struggle with back problems.
Overall, over half of the workforce suffers from joint pain. But the physical ailments are only part of the picture. The researchers identified a sharply elevated risk of stress and burnout, driven almost entirely by working-hour conditions. For every additional day where a driver's total shift span exceeds ten hours — morning to evening, including breaks — the risk of exhaustion jumps by 13 percent. Night shifts, early starts, and poorly timed rest periods compound the problem.
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Violence worsens the mental-health crisis
Alongside ergonomic strain, drivers face a less visible but equally debilitating challenge: verbal and physical aggression. Thirteen percent of those surveyed said they experience assaults on a daily basis, and 44 percent report daily aggressive incidents during service. The psychological fallout is measurable: among affected drivers, the risk of developing exhaustion symptoms climbs by 36 percent. The constant fear of crashes or violent confrontations erodes mental well-being over time.
The Swiss Transport Personnel Union (SEV) presented the findings at its delegate assembly. Union president Matthias Hartwich blamed cost-cutting pressures and a chronic shortage of drivers. “Every savings measure immediately weighs on the staff,” he said. “Politicians have to act.”
SEV vice-president Pablo Guarino echoed that call, demanding improved rostering and more effective protection against aggression. The campaign launched Thursday specifically targets shorter daily shift spans and stronger safeguards against passenger violence.
The Federal Office of Transport (BAV) acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Director Peter Fuglistaler conceded that measures are needed, though he noted that railway workers face similar strains.
Autonomous buses loom as a distant alternative
In a twist, Postauto Switzerland began testing Level 4 autonomous vehicles in the Lake Constance region in early June. The technology is intended to supplement public transport during off-peak hours and in remote areas. Safety drivers are still on board. For current staff, however, such innovations offer no relief any time soon. The skills shortage remains acute — and the health problems show no sign of easing.
