Background

Transportation & Infrastructure

Switzerland, being one of the most centrally located European countries, has been a major transportation hub for centuries. The country is covered with a dense road network sprinkled with elaborate bridges and tunnels, despite its challenging landscape. A great deal of money is invested in road construction each year, along with a high standard of maintenance.

As free trade has increased between EU countries, Switzerland's central position has exposed it to ever-rising amounts of freight traffic, resulting in a road network under mounting pressure, with long queues building up. This may explain why many Swiss choose to use the excellent public transportation system. The Swiss ride trains more than any other population, with the exception of the Japanese. The famous Swiss post buses are also an important part of the public transport system, with a network of 10,363 km. Private bus companies add an additional 5,200 km. Buses are coordinated with train arrivals and departures and serve even remote villages.

The Federal Office of Transport is responsible for public transportation and infrastructure, and the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) is responsible for traffic and roads in Switzerland.