6 Swiss cantons request 24 billion francs to expand rail network

Six cantons in Switzerland are calling for more investment in the country’s rail network. The cantons have asked the federal government for funding to expand train routes, according to Tages Anzeiger.

Cantons want 24 billion francs and more rail connections

Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Geneva, Ticino, Vaud and Valais have joined forces and submitted a resolution to the Swiss federal government. The request calls for more investment and an expansion of certain train routes, reports Tages Anzeiger.

The six cantons have put three requests to the government. They want an infrastructure development plan that is driven by supply, along with 24 billion Swiss francs to expand the rail network. Lastly, the cantons want rail expansion to focus specifically on east-to-west and north-to-south train routes.

For example, Geneva wants to increase capacity at Geneva Airport, add an additional city connection and expand the Geneva to Lyon route. Ticino calls for investment into routes from the north to the south and between Piedmont and Locarno. Canton Vaud is requesting an additional link between Lausanne and Geneva and stronger connections with other parts of Switzerland.

Passenger and freight traffic increasing in Switzerland

The demands come as the number of people using public transport to commute to work, along with freight traffic, is increasing. Changes must be made before it is “too late” and trains become overwhelmed. In fact, “the network is already overloaded, especially on the main routes and during peak hours,” continues Tages Anzeiger.

In 2025, the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) reported that around 1,4 million people take the train each day in Switzerland. On average, someone living in Switzerland travels by train around 70 times per year and covers about 2.400 kilmeteres, “a record in Europe”.