General topics

Here you will find information that applies to all the modes of transport for which the Federal Office of Transport is responsible. Further topics clearly assigned to a mode of transport can be found under «Modes of transport».

Zwei Männer sitzen vor zehn Monitoren auf denen unter anderem rote und blaue Linien zu sehen sind.

Safety

Public transport is very safe. The FOT is here to keep it that way.

Financing

The federal government spends over CHF 5 billion annually on public transport and rail freight.

A PostBus and a bus are waiting at the Aarau bus station.

Regional Passenger Transport

The federal government orders and finances the regional passenger transport together with the cantons.

The façade of the Parliament building with Swiss and EU flags.

International coordination

Many types of transport operate across national borders. International cooperation is therefore one of the FOT’s key tasks.

A suburban train and passengers at Wankdorf station

Fares and passenger rights

The FOT advocates a customer-friendly fare system. It is also the body responsible for enforcing passenger rights.

A man in a wheelchair opens the door of a train in order to get inside.

Accessibility in public transport

Passengers with disabilities should be able to use public transport independently. The FOT supports transport companies in implementing the legal requirements.

A train passes cows grazing in a meadow.

Environment

Public transport and rail freight transport play a major role in environmental and climate protection.

Data for an efficient mobility system

The networking of mobility data should enable transport to be operated and used even better in the future.

A photovoltaic system on a maintenance building

Research and innovation

By promoting research and innovation, the FOT aims to make public transport and rail freight even more efficient, as well as more customer- and environment-friendly.

Work in progress at the Bern train station.

Planning approval procedure

Buildings and installations regarding railways, trams, trolley buses, cableways and (inland) navigation require planning approval from the FOT.

General topics - FOT

Federal Office of Transport FOT

FOT