The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Top stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

Transalpine goods traffic comes under pressure

Transport Minister Sommaruga and poster of Alpine Initiative group
Sommaruga said the Alpine Initiative group, set up 30 years ago, was instrumental in changing Switzerland's transport policy. © Keystone/Urs Flüeler

Transport Minister Simonetta Sommaruga has announced measures to speed up a shift of goods traffic from Swiss roads to rail.

The proposals include price reductions for cargo trains and higher fees for older and high-polluting trucks.

Sommaruga was speaking at an anniversary event on Saturday of the Alpine Initiative groupExternal link, which was founded 30 years ago. It aims to protect the Alpine region from the negative effects of transit traffic through Switzerland.

The association was the driving force behind a people’s initiative which was accepted in a nationwide vote, creating a political upset in 1994.

However, environmental groups have criticised that implementation of the initiative has been slow and the target of 650,000 annual transits by lorries has not been achieved.

The association has called for efforts to further reduce CO2 emissions by banning diesel lorries crossing the Alps as of 2035.

However, the lobby group for the road transport sectorExternal link has dismissed attempts to tighten environmental regulations. It said such demands were unrealistic. Instead the lobby group called on the governments in neighbouring Germany and Italy to push ahead plans to improve their railway lines.

More
Train in a tunnel

More

Has Alpine rail transport come far enough?

This content was published on The Alpine Initiative aimed to shift the transport of goods through the Alps from road to rail. Where do things stand, 25 years on?

Read more: Has Alpine rail transport come far enough?

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Mürren

More

Earthquake hits Swiss Alps near Mürren

This content was published on The earth shook near Mürren in the Bernese Oberland on Monday afternoon with a magnitude of around 4.2 on the Richter scale.

Read more: Earthquake hits Swiss Alps near Mürren
For better public transport in Greater Geneva

More

Public transport in Geneva faces calls for overhaul

This content was published on Public transport services in Greater Geneva must better meet needs. The associations Transports et environnement (ATE) and Rail Dauphiné Savoie Léman (ARDSL) have drawn up a review of the situation, calling in particular for the Leman Express timetable to be extended.

Read more: Public transport in Geneva faces calls for overhaul
Zurich public prosecutor charges Sanija Ameti

More

Swiss politician who shot at baby Jesus risks fine

This content was published on The Zurich public prosecutor's office has brought charges against Zurich city parliamentarian Sanija Ameti for disturbing religious freedom. Ameti had shot at a picture of Jesus and Mary with an air pistol.

Read more: Swiss politician who shot at baby Jesus risks fine
New work of art by Saype adorns the Vaud Alps

More

New work by artist Saype adorns Swiss Alps

This content was published on The French-Swiss artist Saype has created a new giant painting on the summit of the Grand Chamossaire above Villars-sur-Ollon VD. The 2500 square metre work depicts a boy with a rucksack on his shoulders.

Read more: New work by artist Saype adorns Swiss Alps
Actor Carlos Leal returns to Switzerland

More

Swiss actor Carlos Leal leaves ‘arrogant’ LA

This content was published on According to "Schweizer Illustrierte", Swiss actor Carlos Leal is returning to Switzerland - after 15 years in Los Angeles. "It's become loud there, megalomaniacal and arrogant," he said in the online edition of the magazine.

Read more: Swiss actor Carlos Leal leaves ‘arrogant’ LA
Office of the Attorney General is investigating criminal charges relating to the sale of the Goldvreneli

More

Swissmint sued for alleged gold coin fraud

This content was published on A coin collector has filed a criminal complaint with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland against Swissmint, the federal mint, for fraud in connection with the sale of the limited-edition 100-franc gold Vreneli.

Read more: Swissmint sued for alleged gold coin fraud
Vreni Schneider gets a museum

More

Museum to open devoted to Swiss ski legend Vreni Schneider

This content was published on Vreni Schneider is to have a museum in the centre of her home village of Elm. The legendary Swiss ski racer has numerous memorabilia at home, which she is now releasing and exhibiting.

Read more: Museum to open devoted to Swiss ski legend Vreni Schneider
Unknown persons steal weapons from shooting range in Wittenbach SG

More

Weapons stolen from Swiss shooting range

This content was published on A shooting range in Wittenbach, northeastern Switzerland, was broken into on Sunday night. The unknown perpetrators stole several antique weapons.

Read more: Weapons stolen from Swiss shooting range

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR