The NRLA is much more than just the tunnel projects through the Gotthard and Lötschberg. In the 1990s it ties in with other major Swiss transport policy projects including Rail 2000, the transfer of traffic from road to rail, and the expansion of transport in the conurbations through various suburban rail projects. The cantons of western Switzerland vote for the NRLA in 1992 mainly because of its integrated transport policy dimension; but the region also benefits from being linked up to the European high-speed rail network.
« We therefore need to make significant improvements and also ensure a better link between western Switzerland and the French TGV network. »
Federal Council, Dispatch on the construction of the Swiss rail link through the Alps (AlpTransit Decree), p. 1,057, 23.05.1990