Switzerland: CHF 3.4B for Regional Public Transport (2026-2028)

Switzerland: Federal Council Proposes CHF 3.4 Billion for Regional Public Transport (2026-2028)

Bern, Switzerland – May 21, 2025 – The Swiss Federal Council has put forward a proposal to allocate CHF 3.4 billion (approximately EUR 3.6 billion) to bolster regional public transportation infrastructure and operations spanning rail, bus, cable car, and boat services. This funding is slated for the period between 2026 and 2028, demonstrating the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting and enhancing public transport across the nation. This initiative aims to ensure that a comprehensive public transport network remains accessible and efficient, even as the government tackles fiscal challenges through its “relief package 27.” This package, aimed at reducing the federal budget burden, necessitates strategic financial planning within various sectors, including public transportation. This proposed investment underscores the significance of public transport for the Swiss populace and economy, highlighting the government’s focus on maintaining and evolving the current transport landscape to meet future demands and needs.

Maintaining Comprehensive Regional Public Transport

Regional public transportation in Switzerland is a critical component of the nation’s infrastructure, serving approximately 2.5 million passengers daily. This encompasses a wide range of services, including suburban trains, urban and regional bus routes, cable car systems, and boat connections. The network’s extensive reach ensures that both urban and rural areas are effectively linked, promoting connectivity and facilitating mobility for residents and visitors alike. The Federal Council’s financial commitment to regional public transport highlights the recognition of its essential role in the country’s economic and social development. This investment is critical for supporting the operational costs and ongoing development of a public transport system that is both accessible and reliable, which is vital for the sustainable development of the country. The funds are also allocated for investment in modern trains and electric buses, as well as the funding of maintenance facilities and passenger information systems.

Financial Framework and Cost Coverage Dynamics

The funding model for regional public transport in Switzerland is a collaborative effort. While passenger fares and season passes contribute to the operational budget, they only cover approximately half of the total expenses. The remaining costs are jointly funded by the Confederation (federal government) and the cantons (regional governments). In 2024, the federal government supported 1,563 regional transport routes operated by 107 transport companies, with a total contribution of CHF 1.1 billion (EUR 1.2 billion). The proposed commitment credit of CHF 3.4 billion from the Federal Council reflects an increase of around 2.3% compared to the commitment credit approved by Parliament in November 2021. The increase in funds is intended to cover the evolving cost structure of the transport sector. Additionally, the Swiss government is implementing cost-saving measures aimed at improving the cost coverage ratio for these services, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of the regional public transportation system.

Strategic Initiatives and Future Outlook

The Swiss Federal Council’s strategy goes beyond mere financial support, emphasizing operational efficiency and innovation within the public transport sector. A notable aspect of this approach is the “relief package 27,” which will trim the federal budget from 2027 onward. This package includes specific actions, like reducing the planned uncovered costs for regional passenger transport by 5% from 2027, reflecting a commitment to responsible fiscal management and encourages transport companies to prioritize projects based on efficiency and necessity. In addition, the government encourages service providers to continue optimizing costs and boosting revenue from fares. These efforts will increase the overall efficiency and financial sustainability of the public transport system. As the transport landscape evolves and new technologies emerge, the ongoing investment and strategic initiatives will position Switzerland’s public transport for sustained growth.

Conclusion: Investing in a Sustainable Transportation Future

In summary, the Swiss Federal Council’s proposal to invest CHF 3.4 billion in regional public transportation between 2026 and 2028 represents a firm commitment to a well-functioning, sustainable transportation network. This investment is an important step toward supporting the current 2.5 million daily users of the public transport system and ensuring that the public transport network continues to serve the people of Switzerland. This plan involves a strategic approach, combining substantial financial support with measures to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and drive down costs. The Federal Council is working to secure that the money is used in the most effective manner possible. By supporting public transport, the government also promotes environmental sustainability and quality of life for its citizens. As the country navigates financial constraints through initiatives like the “relief package 27,” the Federal Council’s commitment to public transportation highlights its essential role in Switzerland’s long-term development and prosperity. The emphasis on efficiency, technological integration, and revenue generation is designed to ensure that Switzerland’s public transportation network is in a good position.

Summary of Companies:

The article mentions that the federal government supported 1,563 regional transport routes operated by 107 transport companies in 2024. However, it doesn’t specify any particular company names. These companies would include a mix of state-owned and private sector entities responsible for operating rail, bus, cable car, and boat services across Switzerland.