Information for professionals

The first step of several in Switzerland’s reform of the railways began in 1999. Since then, the Swiss rail system has become more efficient and been brought into line with developments in Europe.

All railway vehicles registered in Switzerland are recorded in a central vehicle register.

Railway interoperability ensures that trains can run seamlessly on different rail networks, particularly those of different countries.

The purpose of the Network usage concept and Network usage plans is to secure equitable train paths for freight and passenger traffic on the Swiss rail network, and to allow an attractive service for both types of traffic in the long term.

Art. 18x RailA regulates type approval for elements of railway installations used multiply in the same way and for the same function.

With ETCS Switzerland has implemented the standardised European train control system. It is intended to gradually replace the variety of systems currently used in Europe.

In principle, each railway vehicle travelling in Switzerland requires a valid approval in the form of an operating licence.