Geneva approves 3.3 million francs to compensate Rue de Carouge merchants
The City of Geneva has approved a 3.3 million franc financial package to compensate traders affected by the lengthy transformation of Rue de Carouge. The plan, adopted by the municipal council on Tuesday evening, will help shop owners weather the disruption caused by the street’s conversion into a pedestrian-friendly, greener corridor.
According to Anna Vaucher, the spokesperson for the Department of Finance, Environment and Housing, the approval was unanimous. The allocation mirrors a broader funding arrangement among the street’s three project owners, with the initial 2 million euro-enhanced figure increased after an agreement that prorates the funds according to the scale of work each entity oversees. The information was confirmed by the Courrier and reported by ATS.
Who pays and how the funds are allocated
Funding comes from several stakeholders involved in the Rue de Carouge project. The Transit Authority, TPG, contributes 1 million francs, while the Genève Industries and Services (SIG) add 300,000 francs. The remainder comes from the other project owners involved in the street’s major redevelopment. The compensation will be granted to eligible merchants on a six-month rent basis, providing timely relief as rents typically remain the primary fixed cost for shopkeepers.
Merchants who apply for the aid will receive support calculated to cover six months of rent, reflecting the expected duration of significant disruption. The measure acknowledges the revenue shortfalls caused by restricted traffic and foot-traffic detours during ongoing construction.
What the works mean for Rue de Carouge
Since late June, Rue de Carouge has undergone a sweeping urban makeover aimed at pedestrianization and increased greenery. In addition to the city’s underground sewer network renovation, two other major operators are involved: TPG, which is replacing tram rails, and SIG, which is updating the district’s district heating system. The construction has left the street ‘‘earthed’’ from the Plainpalais roundabout to Place des Augustins, with no vehicles passing and pedestrians navigating barriers and temporary walkways.
The project is slated to continue through December, meaning merchants will continue to face reduced visibility and altered customer flow for several more months. The new compensation scheme is intended to offset the ongoing impact on rental income, ensuring small businesses can survive the period of disruption while the transformation proceeds.
Broader context of the street’s transformation
The Rue de Carouge modernization is part of a broader effort to reimagine core parts of Geneva’s urban core—prioritizing pedestrians and greenery while maintaining essential utility upgrades. By coordinating among the City, TPG and SIG, officials hope to balance public works with economic resilience for local merchants and a more lively, sustainable street environment for residents and visitors alike.
What remains for merchants and shoppers
Shopkeepers interested in the compensation must submit a formal request to receive the six months’ rent indemnity. City officials emphasize that the fund is designed to compensate for the period of greatest disruption, and to ease the transition as the street becomes a more walkable, bike-friendly, and landscaped corridor. While the works will continue through the end of the year, the compensation provides a crucial bridge to help merchants sustain operations and protect their livelihoods as Rue de Carouge evolves.
