Agreement with Europe

1 May 1992
28-tonne trucks on the rails
28-tonne trucks on the rails

Switzerland, in concert with the EEC, agrees to favour rail for goods transport. In 1992, a piggyback train passes the little church at Wassen. (1992, Keystone)

In May 1992, Switzerland and the European Economic Community conclude an agreement on goods transport by road and rail. It includes the NRLA, which has not yet been approved by the Swiss people. It is the last time Switzerland successfully defends the 28-tonne weight limit for heavy goods vehicles. In favouring rail and establishing combined transport, the agreement takes account of the particular political and topographical characteristics of Switzerland. The country now becomes a key player in European transport policy.

« The Transit Agreement circumscribes the infrastructure work to be done, both in Switzerland and in the member states of the EC, to ensure a continuous flow of traffic across Switzerland's borders. »

Federal Council, Dispatch on the Transit Agreement, p. 1,058, 13.05.1992

Europa hautnah: Ogi und die NEAT

1992, ©1970-2005 Swiss Radio and Television, licensed by Telepool PLC Zürich

Europa hautnah: Ogi und die NEAT

Europa hautnah: Ogi and the NRLA, 1992 (©1970-2005 Swiss Radio and Television, licensed by Telepool PLC Zürich)

Rundschau: Brummi-Flut

1994, ©1970-2005 Swiss Radio and Television, licensed by Telepool PLC Zürich

Rundschau: Brummi-Flut

Rundschau: Overrun with trucks, 1994 (©1970-2005 Swiss Radio and Television, licensed by Telepool PLC Zürich)

TEN-T

2017

TEN-T

2017

TEN-T

2017

28 tonnes

maximum weight limit that remains in force for heavy goods vehicles

30 times

capacity increase in combined transport on the Gotthard promised by Switzerland by 1994

12 years

fixed term of the agreement

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