In order for the Swiss transport system to continue fulfilling its duties for the population and the economy in the future, investments in roads and railways are necessary. The report published today by ETH Professor Ulrich Weidmann has created an important foundation for the further development of transport infrastructure. It is particularly positive that the report recommends tighter planning and approval processes. The current lengthy procedures endanger the expansion of infrastructure.
Future expansion projects must take into account the immense task that the national roads have to manage. Although national roads make up just three percent of the network, they account for 45 percent of all vehicle kilometers and over 70 percent of the vehicle kilometers of road freight transport. The constantly increasing load leads to more traffic jams and chronic overloading of critical points. Targeted expansions are indispensable to keep the network efficient. Individual traffic has grown by two percent annually over the past years. Population growth and an increasingly mobile society ensure that traffic growth increases. This trend must be acknowledged by quickly realizing road projects in heavily burdened areas. Since 2008, merely 17 kilometers of motorway have been added, while traffic volume has doubled.
Future infrastructure planning should also consider the development of autonomous vehicles. The increased deployment of autonomous shuttles will also strongly influence the future of public transport.
Politics must draw the right conclusions.
It is now up to politics to draw the right conclusions from this report and to resolutely advance expansion projects that can gain a majority. Given the great need for action and the long lead time of infrastructure constructions, no time should be lost now. Joint handling of projects in favor of roads, railways, and agglomerations is an effective measure to give Swiss infrastructure the necessary update for the upcoming years.
In view of the upcoming political debates, it is crucial for TCS that the proven funds for roads (NAF) and rail (BIF) are not weakened. Cuts in the funds, which are anchored in the constitution, would severely weaken the Swiss transport system. If infrastructure is neglected, the entire society suffers from the consequences.
Professor Ulrich Weidmann's report is a helpful foundation for future transport policy. For effective implementation, the Federal Council and Parliament are now responsible. The TCS will continue to act as a constructive partner for solutions that strengthen autonomous mobility.
Press contact:
Marco Wölfli, Media Spokesperson TCS
Tel. 058 827 34 03
marco.woelfli@tcs.ch