31 days without a car For some, it's a relief, for others it's just a trial

In Basel, a group of residents participated in a unique mobility challenge known as “31 Days,” which required them to give up their cars for a month. The initiative, organized by the canton of Basel-Stadt in collaboration with Alliance Swisspass and the climate cooperative 42hacks, aimed to encourage sustainable transportation habits and help the region meet its climate goals by 2037. Two participants, Sonja Langlotz and Rolf Thommen, shared contrasting experiences during the challenge. Sonja Langlotz, a retired woman living in Therwil, gave up her car in the autumn of 2025 after participating in the challenge. She had driven for 45 years before deciding to try public transport. As part of the challenge, she received a free general travel pass (GA) from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). This allowed her to use trams, buses, trains, and even boats and cable cars. She described the experience as transformative, saying she discovered new places and enjoyed greater freedom. For instance, she found an old bunker near a bus stop that she would have missed while driving. Since giving up her car, she has become more active in voluntary work, traveling frequently throughout Switzerland using public transport. She also noted financial savings, as maintaining a car costs several hundred francs monthly, including repairs. Rolf Thommen, another participant, also used the GA during the challenge. However, unlike Langlotz, he continued to use his car after the challenge ended. He explained that while he does not have an emotional attachment to his vehicle, he values its convenience. He and his wife primarily use the car on weekends, citing the ability to transport goods and the flexibility of spontaneous trips. Although they rely mainly on bicycles and trams for daily commuting, the comfort and versatility of their car remain essential for their lifestyle. Thommen admitted that the regional public transport subscription was affordable and sufficient for their needs, but the car still played a crucial role in their routine. The “31 Days” challenge offered participants additional benefits beyond the GA. They could access electric bikes and scooters through PubliBike and Dott, and were given a 30-franc credit for renting mobility cars. These incentives were designed to expose individuals to alternative modes of transportation and promote awareness of environmental impacts. The canton emphasized that such initiatives contribute to broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable mobility practices. The challenge took place between September and November 2025, following similar programs in Bern and Winterthur. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their mobility habits and explore eco-friendly alternatives. While some, like Langlotz, embraced the change permanently, others, like Thommen, maintained a balance between private and public transport. This highlights the varying attitudes toward car dependency among individuals, even within the same community. Public transport in Basel is well-developed, with frequent tram and bus services connecting different parts of the city. The GA allows unlimited travel on these networks, making it an attractive option for many. However, the decision to continue using a car often depends on personal circumstances, such as the need for occasional long-distance travel or the desire for flexibility in daily routines. The challenge thus serves as a starting point for reflection rather than a definitive shift in behavior. As the challenge concludes, the experiences of participants like Langlotz and Thommen underscore the complexity of changing mobility patterns. While some find liberation in reducing car reliance, others appreciate the practical advantages of owning a vehicle. The success of such initiatives will depend on how effectively they inspire lasting behavioral changes and support the transition to more sustainable forms of transportation.