Politics · Switzerland · 2 days ago
Swiss parties and groups seek changes to 56.5 billion-franc transport plan
Switzerland’s federal government has proposed spending 56.5 billion francs on transport infrastructure over 20 years, through 2045.
The plan allocates 36 billion francs to rail, 13 billion to roads and 7.5 billion to projects in urban areas.
Political parties, transport groups and local authorities broadly want changes to how projects are chosen and paid for.
Left-wing parties oppose bringing back motorway projects rejected by voters in 2024, while the Swiss People’s Party rejects the plan and wants road and rail projects linked as one package.
Business-oriented parties and motoring clubs say road projects are needed to ease congestion, while the Swiss Transport Club opposes the remaining road expansion plans.
Rail operators and public transport groups want more funding for rail, and cities and cantons seek greater federal support for local transit.
The transport department plans to review consultation responses around the start of the new year, and the government is expected to send its first proposal to parliament in early 2027, followed by another in 2031.
Switzerland’s proposed “Transport ’45” plan would invest 56.5 billion francs in transport infrastructure over 20 years.
The plan allocates 36 billion francs to rail, 13 billion to roads and 7.5 billion to urban agglomeration projects.
Political parties, associations and government bodies say the plan needs changes to its project priorities and funding.
The SP and Greens oppose reviving previously rejected motorway projects, while the SVP rejects the overall proposal and backs road projects.
The federal transport department plans to assess consultation responses, with the first government bill expected in early 2027.
- Who
- The Swiss Federal Council proposed the plan; political parties, associations and government bodies have called for changes.
- What
- Transport ’45” proposes 56.5 billion francs of infrastructure investment over 20 years. Critics differ on project priorities and funding.
- When
- The plan covers the period to 2045. The article was published on 9 October 2026.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- The plan is intended to develop transport infrastructure. Critics say its priorities and funding need changes.
Left-wing parties
SVP
Road expansion
Left-wing parties
The SP and Greens oppose bringing back previously rejected motorway projects.
SVP
The SVP backs road projects and calls for relief on major routes and in rural areas.
Transport funding
Left-wing parties
The SP supports more rail funding but rejects linking it to new road projects.
SVP
The SVP wants rail, road and urban transport projects formally linked as one package and warns of financial and tax risks from rail expansion.
The decision of 2024 stands.
legally and formally link the projects for rail, roads and urban transport into one overall package
Voters rejected motorway expansion projects, including two six-lane extensions on the A1.
The proposed “Transport ’45” plan would invest 56.5 billion francs in transport infrastructure over 20 years.
The Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications plans to assess consultation responses.
The Federal Council is expected to submit its first bill to Parliament.
A further bill is expected.
- Total proposed investment
- 56.5 billion francs over 20 years
- Rail projects
- 36 billion francs
- Road projects
- 13 billion francs
- Urban agglomeration projects
- 7.5 billion francs
- Road network projects
- The Federal Council proposes dropping 31 national road projects
- First bill
- Expected to be submitted to Parliament in early 2027
Sources
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