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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”.

Two men sit in front of ten monitors showing red and blue lines.

13 June 2025

Safety

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

A fan of Swiss banknotes

10 June 2025

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.

10 June 2025

Regional Passenger Transport

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

A photovoltaic system on a maintenance building

10 June 2025

Research and innovation

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

10 June 2025

Data for an efficient mobility system

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

Work in progress at the Bern train station.

10 June 2025

Planning approval procedure

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

A train passes cows grazing in a meadow.

10 June 2025

Environment

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

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

10 June 2025

Accessibility

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

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

28 May 2025

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

10 June 2025

Fares and passenger rights

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

Federal Office of Transport FOT

Mühlestrasse 6
3063 Ittigen