Major Anniversary Year for Six TCS Sections

For 130 years, TCS has stood by its 1.6 million members. Equally important as its long-standing experience is TCS's presence throughout Switzerland. 23 sections create local and regional connections to members and the public by offering a wide range of services and activities and engaging politically in mobility issues. This year, the sections Bern, Fribourg, Graubünden, Lucerne NW/OW, Solothurn, and Valais are celebrating their 100th anniversary.

Anniversary Bus in Lucerne In 1926, 30 years after TCS's founding, there was a desire in various regions of Switzerland for a local TCS representation. In Lucerne, 21 people attended the founding meeting. Today, the Lucerne NW/OW section has over 70,000 members. The growth succeeded because the section continuously adapted to changing needs and evolving mobility. To make the anniversary year visible in Central Switzerland, among other things, an articulated bus from Auto AG Rothenburg will run on the streets in the canton of Lucerne for two years in TCS colors.

Short Film Competition for Youth in Valais In Valais as well, the section is involving its members in various celebrations. The Valais section has been led by Fabienne Bernard for over 20 years. When she was elected president in 2005, she was the first woman to lead the Valais section. She was also the first vice president of the central club and still holds this position. On the occasion of the anniversary year, the Valais section launched a film competition. Young people from Valais are invited to create a short film on the subject of 'Mobility of the Future'. The best films will be awarded at the traditional 'Foire du Valais' in October.

Bern Started in 1926 with 96 Founding Members The Bern section is also in a celebratory mood on the occasion of the anniversary. It celebrates its 100th birthday in May with a festive gala evening and a varied program. The section will be literally visible in autumn when various events are planned around the 'Day of Light'. The anniversary will conclude in spring 2027 with several events at the mobility centers. Looking back 100 years, the Bern section has grown significantly. At the founding on May 8, 1926, 96 members joined, and today, the section counts over 146,000 members.

Fribourg Festivity When the Fribourg section was founded, there were just 1,025 cars on the roads of Fribourg. The term 'roads' was still quite broad. As late as 1935, only seven kilometers of road were paved in the Glâne district. However, a steadily growing range of services and more vehicles quickly contributed to the section's growth. In addition to the traditional TCS engagements like road assistance and traffic education, sociability has always been highly valued in the section - the annual ball took place for over 80 years. The Fribourg section continues this tradition and celebrates its anniversary in May with a grand festivity.

TCS Presence Across the Solothurn Canton The anniversary year 2026 for the Solothurn section is all about strong regional presence and the diverse services of TCS and its locations in the Solothurn canton. Additionally, modern mobility solutions are also discussed. The goal is to be visible throughout the canton and to appeal to all stakeholders. Numerous events are held throughout the year. These include participation in regional fairs such as the Mega-Thal in Balsthal, the Slow-Up Solothurn-Buechibärg, the Pentecost market in Breitenbach, the HESO in Solothurn, and the Zibelimäret in Oensingen.

A special highlight is the anniversary brunch at the Enter Museum in Derendingen. At the same time, members can participate in driving training at attractive conditions at the adjacent TCS driving center. Other program points include the TCS Bike Challenge in Olten, the campsite festival in Solothurn, and the Mobility Day in Grenchen.

Graubünden Founding After the End of Car Ban When the Graubünden section was founded on June 5, 1926, in Chur, it had been less than a year since the car ban in the canton of Graubünden was lifted. Under these special circumstances, the founding of a TCS section was particularly significant. Within five years, the number of cars in Graubünden had increased tenfold, and TCS was there to support the many new motorists. In the anniversary year, the TCS Graubünden section is traveling through many regions and valleys of the canton with a VW ID. Buzz, bringing TCS activities to village festivals, markets, and sports events.

The numerous and varied anniversary activities underscore the commitment of the TCS sections. This dedication to self-determined mobility and member welfare naturally extends beyond the anniversary year. Sections are the first contact point for members and thus form the backbone of TCS.

Press Contact:
Marco Wölfli, TCS Media Spokesperson
Tel. 058 827 34 03

marco.woelfli@tcs.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher.