Topic: Switzerland

LEGAL BATTLE AHEAD? ‘Major companies’ to take Switzerland to court over new wheels rules

The Swiss decision to introduce new freight wagon wheels requirements contradicts “the Principle of Interoperability under the EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement”, according to the International…
Technical inspections Switzerland allows wiggle room for one of the new wheel safety rules

In mid-September, Switzerland introduced new rules relating to freight wagon wheel safety. The measures follow an investigation into the Gotthard Base Tunnel accident, where a…
Trucks beat rail Modal shift in Switzerland completely fails after thirty years of trying

The shift in Swiss cross-border commercial freight transport from asphalt to rail has been a complete failure. This is evident from recently published transport figures…
CLARIFICATIONS NEEDED Setback for Swiss underground rail freight project Cargo Sous Terrain

Cargo Sous Terrain (CST) is a company working to develop an underground rail network to deliver parcels in Switzerland. In a somewhat sudden turn of…
Pricing controversy Do or die: Is Switzerland killing single wagonload?

Swiss national rail operator SBB is making single wagonload (SWL) traffic uncompetitive due to rapid price increases, according to the Swiss shippers’ association VAP. They…
COST-CUTTING MEASURES SBB Cargo might close three single wagonload terminals

After announcing the closure of eight combined transport terminals, Swiss operator SBB Cargo might soon shut down three single wagonload facilities. The locations are Chiasso…
Industry backlash Switzerland’s “rogue” rules endanger European rail freight

The Swiss Federal Office for Transport (FOT) has introduced new safety rules relating to the wheels of freight wagons. Despite good intentions, the new rules…
COMBINED TRANSPORT Switzerland shifts subsidies to keep freight on rail

Switzerland is transferring 59 million CHF (63,2 million euros) in subsidies from accompanied combined transport (ACT) to unaccompanied combined transport (UCT). “Part of the funds…
KEEP RAIL FREIGHT ALIVE Swiss Committee asks for higher road tolls while SBB Cargo keeps bleeding

The rough period experienced by Swiss state-owned rail freight operator SBB Cargo was confirmed by the company’s figures for the first half of 2024. In…
AGAINST TERMINAL CLOSURES SBB Cargo’s restructuring sparks protests

The restructuring of Swiss state-owned rail freight operator SBB Cargo will be the main subject of a protest organised for Friday 29 August by various…
Seeks Europe-wide implementation Switzerland proposes new measures to reduce wheel fractures risk

The Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT) is proposing various measures to improve the safety of freight wagons. Some composite brake blocks pose a heightened…
nearing collapse? Swiss politician blasts the EU: ‘their failures are sabotaging our rail freight policies’

Despite years of investments and policies, rail freight in Switzerland is not having the time of its life. Much of the fault is to be…