Following a consultation procedure, the government announced Wednesday a revised CHF11.9 billion ($11.8 billion) plan, up from an initial budget of CHF11.5 billion, to be implemented by 2035. The Swiss Parliament will review the plan next year.
The new package would include direct train connections between Basel, Delémont and Geneva, as well as an expansion of service across the Jura. Technical railway equipment for the second tube of the Lötschberg base tunnel, which runs from the Bernese Oberland into canton Valais, would also be included to help increase capacity for freight trains as well as numbers of passenger trains.
Improvements to service in the Geneva-Lausanne-Yverdon-Biel and Soleure-Olten-Zurich-Winterthur regions aim to reinforce train capacities, reduce overload, and offer service every quarter- to half-hour.
There are also plans to develop the train stations themselves, to ameliorate overcrowding and adapt infrastructure to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities, notably in Morges and Basel.
Lack of smartphone sustainability in Switzerland hits environment
This content was published on
Almost half of all Swiss citizens hang on to their old smartphones, tablets and laptops, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Police clear out pro-Palestinian students protesting in Geneva
This content was published on
The police intervened early on Tuesday to dislodge pro-Palestinian students who had been occupying the University of Geneva for almost a week.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss train passengers to surf internet for free from 2019
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Railways will begin introducing free internet surfing based on 3G/4G mobile coverage on trains by the end of next year.
World’s steepest funicular puts Stoos back on the tourist map
This content was published on
Straight up to the top of the mountain: the Stoos funicular railway gives you the steepest ascent of its kind in the world.
Spike seen in number of train drivers running red lights
This content was published on
According to a Sunday report in SonntagsZeitung, train conductors have never ignored as many traffic lights as they did in 2017.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.