Lausanne-Morges Launches 4.6 km Tram Line by 2027 in Switzerland

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND – The Lausanne-Morges Agglomeration is moving forward with its PALM 2025 strategic plan, which outlines 89 mobility projects valued at over 757 million Swiss francs (EUR 827 million). The plan seeks federal co-financing for the 2028–2032 period to enhance public transport and active mobility. A central element is the reintroduction of a tram system, with the first 4.6 km line scheduled for a 2027 launch.

What Is the Full Scope of This Project?

The Lausanne–Morges Strategic Mobility Plan (PALM 2025) is a comprehensive regional strategy encompassing 89 distinct projects designed to integrate public transport, road infrastructure, and urban development. The plan focuses on strengthening the existing rail network, expanding major urban transport corridors with new metro and tram lines, and improving intermodal connectivity. A key component is the new Lausanne Tramway, which will reintroduce trams to the city with a 4.6 km line connecting Lausanne-Flon to Renens Station, served by 10 new Stadler TramLink vehicles. While the tram project’s funding is specified at approximately CHF 367 million, a detailed cost breakdown for the other 88 projects included in the CHF 757 million total was not disclosed.

Key Project Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Projects?

The CHF 757 million (approx. $850M USD) scope for the multi-faceted Lausanne-Morges plan contrasts with significantly larger single-line urban rail investments in North America, such as in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Metro is pursuing a K Line extension estimated to cost between $11 billion and $15 billion, highlighting a vast difference in capital expenditure for expanding a network in a sprawling, car-dependent region. The Swiss plan’s focus on integrating mobility within a polycentric urban structure is designed to generate ridership by connecting multiple dense centers, a different strategic approach than retrofitting rail into a less dense urban fabric. (Source: Los Angeles Times, 2024).

Editor’s Analysis

The Lausanne-Morges model exemplifies a European approach where infrastructure investment is intrinsically linked to urban development and environmental goals from the outset. This integrated strategy aims to boost social acceptability and ridership by aligning transport with housing and business centers, rather than simply laying new track. This contrasts with projects like the proposed Northern Pass Transmission Line in the US, which failed despite economic and environmental benefits due to significant local opposition, underscoring the critical role of community integration in project viability. (Source: Nature Communications, 2024).

FAQ

Q: What is the new tram line’s route and travel time?
A: The new tram will connect the Lausanne-Flon intermodal hub with Renens Station, covering a 4.6-kilometer route. The journey is expected to take approximately 14 minutes, with 10 stations located along the line.

Q: How much does the new tram system cost and who is funding it?
A: The initial tram line project is funded with approximately 367 million Swiss francs. The financing is shared between the Canton of Vaud and the Swiss Confederation, while local authorities contribute to the costs of associated urban developments.

Q: Will this plan eliminate car traffic in the region?
A: The plan’s objective is not to eliminate car traffic but to optimize and reduce it by encouraging a shift to public transport and active mobility. The strategy aims to make rail, tram, and cycling more competitive alternatives for daily travel.