Car transport operators receive higher federal investment aid
Published: Wednesday, Mar 6th 2024, 09:00
Retour au fil d'actualité
The operators of car transport stations will receive investment aid of CHF 106 million from the federal government. Following the National Council, the Council of States has also decided to increase a loan of CHF 60 million already approved in 2018 by CHF 46 million.
The decision was made in the small chamber on Wednesday without a vote against, but with five abstentions. The National Council had already approved the deal very clearly in December.
With the 106 million francs, the Federal Assembly went 6 million francs beyond the Federal Council's credit request. This is because the National Council and the Council of States now also attach national importance to the Simplon car transport.
Until now, it was up to the canton of Valais to support this car transport service. It was not considered to be of national importance because the pass road over the Simplon is kept open all year round.
System change in financing
In contrast, the three other car loading stations were already of national importance because, according to the Federal Council, they fulfill a fundamental access function. They supplement the national road network where road connections are lacking, especially in winter. Since 1985, the car loading stations have been supported with earmarked road funds.
In addition to the Simplon, it is also about the car transport stations on the Lötschberg, Furka and through the Vereina Tunnel. These car trains are operated by BLS, Matterhorn Gotthard Verkehrs AG and the Rhaetian Railway. The car transport at the Oberalp Pass has not existed since last year.
The Federal Assembly also approved the Federal Council's proposal that the Confederation should no longer directly finance the rolling stock for car trains in future. There will now be external financing, as with regional passenger transport. If uncovered costs are to be expected, the federal government can pay compensation. This is therefore a change of system.
©Keystone/SDA
French 
English 
German 
Spanish 
Arabic