Interoperability

10.10.50.20 Interoperabilität(c) SBB
Crossing borders: an SBB Cargo International train travelling in Germany
© SBB

Railway interoperability ensures that trains can run seamlessly on different rail networks, particularly those of different countries. The various technical standards and legal parameters are being harmonised internationally to make this possible. For Switzerland, as a small country in the heart of Europe, interoperability is important because it simplifies cross-border traffic and helps enforce the modal shift policy from road to rail.

https://www.bav.admin.ch/content/bav/en/home/modes-of-transport/railways/informations-for-professionals/interoperability.html