On February 9th – the same day as the Swiss-wide referenda on homophobia and affordable housing – eligible voters in Zurich will go to the polls to vote on whether or not to impose greater restrictions on ride sharing service Uber. 

READ MORE: EU migration to affordable housing: All you need to know about Switzerland's crucial spring referendums

The ride sharing service has been criticised in Switzerland for failing to pay drivers properly and meet its social contribution obligations. 

Allowed in Zurich, Basel and Lucerne, Uber is currently banned in Geneva in relation to the above criticisms – although the ban has been suspended pending an appeal. 

READ MORE: Uber facing ban in Geneva 

The vote will make regulating taxis – including ride sharing services – a cantonal rather than a municipal responsibility in Zurich. If successful, cantonal authorities will be in charge of granting permits, setting tariffs and controlling parking for taxi services including Uber. 

The goal of the referendum is to level the playing field for all car transport services, bringing in line the rules on taxis and limousines as well as app-based ride sharing services. 

READ MORE: Switzerland considers expanding public transport to include taxis

The vote will also require all Uber drivers – and drivers with other ride sharing services as well as taxis – to register with canton authorities, while also distinguishing themselves by placing a sign on their vehicle. 

Advocates of the proposal have argued the measure will level the playing field for taxi and limousine operators with Uber. 

Those against, which include some members of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and the Green Liberals, have said the measure is an example of over-regulation which could stifle the kind of innovation that Uber has to offer. 

Opponents have also said that additional restrictions may make people less safe at night, although advocates of the law have argued that requiring drivers to register themselves while also identifying that they are Uber drivers will make passengers safer. 

Further votes

Another vote scheduled for February 9th for the canton of Zurich will be on competing tax proposals. One proposal, backed by the young socialists and others, seeks to reduce taxes for lower and middle income earners. 

A counter proposal, supported by the young radicals, wants to reduce taxes for all income earners while also freeing up tax rules for the highest income earners in the canton. 

Eligible voters will also have their say on the construction of a new tunnel under Rosengartenstrasse in the north-west of the city.  

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