Expansion of train stations to make them accessible for the disabled is progressing too slowly, according to the federal government
Published: Thursday, Dec 14th 2023, 10:40
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The railroads continue to face major challenges when it comes to making stations accessible to people with disabilities. According to the latest report from the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), only around half of the 1,800 stations and train stops in Switzerland met the requirements at the end of 2022.
In the case of 499 stations or railroad stops, the adaptations can only be implemented after the statutory deadline has expired despite repeated intervention by the supervisory authority, as the FOT announced on Thursday. Work on 66 of the 499 delayed renovation projects will at least begin before the renovation deadline at the end of 2023. According to the FOT, a total of 106 other stations will be structurally adapted by the end of the current year.
According to the latest status report, by the end of 2022, the railroad companies had adapted 51 railroad stations and stops to the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (BehiG) within one year. Because the major stations were adapted as a priority, 76% of passengers benefited from disabled-accessible stations at the end of last year, according to the FOT.
Railroads complain about lack of resources
Theoretically, railroad companies would have to adapt their stations and stops to the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act by the end of the current year, provided that these adaptations are proportionate. According to the law, stations and stops must be able to be used autonomously and spontaneously by people with disabilities.
The responsibility for the renovations lies with the railroads. According to the FOT, the railroads cite "a lack of resources in terms of planning and personnel, a lack of time slots for construction work and limited financial resources" as the reason for the delays.
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