[ad_1]
The additional funds are intended to help improve the availability and quality of the network and, therefore, to stabilize rail traffic, as the Federal Council wrote at the embassy. In addition, the increased demand for roadways, train stations, security systems, bridges and tunnels must be met, as well as the requirements of the Equal Disability Law and the protection of the environment and nature.
With money from the 2021-2024 payment framework, railways can renovate, for example, sections of tracks, bridges, or signaling systems that have been in use for years. This preserves the substance of the rail network. This should also be modernized and updated to the current state of the art if necessary.
SBB is expected to receive CHF 7.6 billion from CHF 14.4 billion. About 5.9 billion are earmarked for service agreements with the other railways.
Lots of money for renovations
Around 11.5 billion Swiss francs, most of the payment framework is for renovations. Around 2,100 million Swiss francs are used for commercial compensation. CHF 300 million is used as a reserve for unforeseeable expenses, such as major damage caused by natural events. Inter-network and inter-company tasks are financed by 500 million Swiss francs, for example, in customer information, the ETCS train control system or train power.
The contributions are tied to performance agreements that the federal government concludes with infrastructure managers. The expenses for the operation and maintenance of the railway infrastructure are entirely financed by the Federal Fund for Railway Infrastructure. Current and planned expansion projects are not jeopardized by additional need, writes the Federal Council.
With the same message, the Federal Council is requesting a CHF 300 million line of credit for investment contributions to private cargo transportation facilities over the next four years. This promotes rail freight and the relocation of freight traffic through the Alps. This loan is not financed by the railway infrastructure fund, but by the tax on mineral oil and other means for road and air traffic. (SDA)
