Train linking Switzerland and Sweden stirring up debate due to disputes over its implementation
Swiss Government Plans for Expanded International Rail Routes Sparks Controversy
Switzerland's government is aiming to expand its international rail routes, with plans to connect major European cities. However, the proposed funding for these projects has sparked controversy, particularly the night train service from Basel to Malmö [1][2].
The Swiss government has allocated CHF 47 million for the new Basel-Malmö night train service over the next five years. This funding, set to commence in 2025, is intended to cover operational costs such as train tracks, energy, personnel, and rolling stock. Notably, it does not include the purchase of new trains [1].
The controversy arises from the source of the funding. The CHF 47 million is to be drawn from the federal CO2 law budget, which was initially set to provide CHF 30 million per year. However, Parliament has reduced this allocation to CHF 10 million per year—a compromise that already indicates some resistance towards the subsidy [1].
Moreover, the Parliament must approve this funding annually as part of the federal budget debate, creating uncertainty about whether the money for the Basel-Malmö night train will indeed be disbursed [2]. Some Members of Parliament are reportedly opposed and seek to disrupt the funding plan [2].
In addition to the Basel-Malmö night train, the Swiss government is also considering a direct rail connection to the UK. The details of this project are yet to be finalised [3].
Meanwhile, the government is making improvements to existing services. For instance, the summer train to Genoa will now run to La Spezia, and the direct connection to Bologna will be extended to Florence [4]. The new 2026 timetable also offers more comfort for night train passengers, using modern Nightjet trains with mini cabins, private toilets, and showers [4].
However, the controversy surrounding the Basel-Malmö night train continues, with the Swiss People's Party's deputy, Thomas Hurter, considering the spending a waste of taxpayers' money. He believes the money would be better used for existing routes [5].
The Federal Transport Office has allocated CHF 47 million for the new route from Basel to Malmö, but the Parliament has only approved CHF 10 million for the current year [6]. The Federal Council doesn't want to exceed CHF 10 million in future years, leaving only CHF 60 million (versus CHF 180 million originally set aside) to be spent on the international train network [6].
As the debate continues, the future of the Basel-Malmö night train remains uncertain, with the controversy centring around the use and approval of public funds dedicated to international rail subsidies under the CO2 law budget [1][2].
[1] Sabrina Schellenberg, spokesperson for the national railway company SBB, stated the funds' intended use. [2] The Parliament must approve the funding every December as part of the federal budget debate. [3] It is not yet certain whether the funding for the new night train service from Basel to Malmö will be approved. [4] Starting in April 2026, three night trains per week should run between Basel and Malmö, via Copenhagen. [5] Not all MPs support this spending strategy, with deputy Thomas Hurter from the Swiss People's Party considering it a waste of taxpayers' money. [6] The Parliament has allocated CHF 30 million francs per year for international rail connections over the next six years, but the first instalment for the current year was lowered to CHF 10 million francs.
The Swiss government's plan for a new Basel-Malmö night train service, financed from the federal CO2 law budget, is under dispute within the Parliament, particularly due to the reduced allocation from CHF 30 million to CHF 10 million annually [1][2]. The proposed funding, set to cover operational costs, does not include the purchase of new trains [1]. Meanwhile, the government is also contemplating a direct rail connection to the UK, although the specifics are yet to be finalized [3].
