Swiss Post relies on a dense network and is upgrading agencies

For Swiss Post, providing an excellent basic service and maintaining a dense, nationwide network of access points are key concerns. A dense network involves not only costs but also has an entrepreneurial value.

Swiss Post will have to adapt its network to the new requirements in future too. It is therefore reviewing which post offices will continue to operate in their current form and which should be converted into alternative formats such as agencies or home-delivery services. Swiss Post is not seeking to close post offices.

Swiss Post will conduct this process very carefully, in accordance with clear criteria and in dialogue with all parties involved, including the municipalities. If it is not possible to reach agreement in a specific case, the municipalities are free to consult the independent Post Offices Commission. Swiss Post undertakes to adhere to the recommendations of the Commission. It regrets the fact that incorrect lists of post offices whose survival is allegedly threatened were published. In order to counter the speculation and uncertainty that has resulted, Swiss Post has further clarified how it intends to review the status of post offices and has decided which post offices it will analyse by 2011, based on the current situation.

Swiss Post is also making its agencies more attractive. They will accept ec and Maestro cards in the medium term, and the public will be able to handle all payment transactions at the “post office in the village shop”. If agency partners are obliged to close their premises, Swiss Post will look for new solutions.

Swiss Post will continue to provide a high-quality basic service and maintain its dense, nationwide network of access points. This public service is guaranteed via the 2,380 access points (of which 2,154 are post offices and 226 are postal agencies) and the 1,123 home-delivery services. (as at 1 April 2009).