In future, non-Swiss companies will be able to run public transport services in Switzerland, under the new agreement signed between the country and the EU. However, before we worry that the cantons will become awash with FlixTrains and Deutsche Bahn ICEs, companies that run in the alpine nation would be subject to strict rules.
In a statement, the Federal Council confirmed that Switzerland would be opening up its rail network to companies from abroad. The agreement forms part of the much larger framework agreement between Switzerland and the EU, which was concluded at the end of last year.
As it stands, EU companies are allowed to run international rail services in Switzerland, provided they collaborate with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). These joint services include the TGV Lyria trains between Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Lausanne and cities in France, Deutsche Bahn ICE and EuroCity trains between Swiss and German cities, Austrian ÖBB day and night trains and Trenitalia routes to Italy.
Under the plans, EU rail companies would be allowed to operate independently of SBB on routes within Switzerland. It is currently unclear whether the agreement also allows SBB to operate freely in the EU.
The news is likely to be well received by EU providers, as both they and SBB are already planning to dramatically expand international rail routes in Switzerland. For instance, Deutsche Bahn has signalled its intention to rapidly increase the number of routes between Germany and Italy via the Swiss mountains, while super-budget provider FlixTrain hopes to extend its services from Berlin and Munich to Zurich, once the Swiss-EU agreement is signed.
However, the prospect of EU trains running on the Swiss network may make some nervous. For one, Deutsche Bahn trains remain the most frequently delayed services in Switzerland, to the point that any German long-distance train that arrives at the Swiss border with a 10 to 15 minute delay is cancelled after it reaches Basel.
With budget providers also expected to launch in Switzerland, unions fear that workers will be replaced by those from abroad, and that those who do operate the lines will not be paid a proper wage. Therefore, the Federal Council has also announced several restrictions on international providers.
First, international train companies can only run services in Switzerland where the capacity of the network allows, and these routes must not affect the punctuality of SBB or freight trains. European providers must also adhere to the Swiss system of ticketing and must recognise half-fare and GA passes on routes within Switzerland.
To placate the unions, all workers who operate the routes in Switzerland must adhere to local laws on working hours and labour rights. Crucially, they must be paid the standard salary in Switzerland for a railway worker, agreed as part of SBB’s collective labour agreement.
For now, the plan hinges on the new framework agreement between Switzerland and the EU being passed. Once it is considered, the deal is expected to be voted on in one or more referendums, which are expected to be held in 2027.
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