Green light from the Swiss Parliament Cargo for sous terrain

With today’s legislative decision by the National Council, Cargo sous terrain is on the home stretch: Both chambers of Parliament have approved the law on underground freight transport (UGüTG). Now, only a few minor differences between the councils need to be resolved before it can come into effect. This allows CST to advance the realization with momentum.

(Bern/Basel) The federal law on underground freight transport (UGüTG) provides Cargo sous terrain (CST) with the legal basis to implement the project under secure framework conditions. CST AG, with its over 80 shareholders, is very pleased that the realization of the privately financed overall logistics system is supported by a broad majority in Parliament. As the Council of States did before, today the National Council, as the second chamber of Parliament, passed the law with a large majority. It followed the proposals of its preparatory committee. A few minor deviations still exist from the version of the law adopted by the Council of States. These will be eliminated in the upcoming reconciliation process. CST expects this reconciliation to occur quickly.

Detailed planning of the first section

A prompt entry into force of the law allows CST to advance the detailed planning of the first section from Härkingen-Niederbipp to Zurich until it reaches building permit maturity. The law also enables the necessary procedures for realization at the federal and cantonal levels to begin. This includes the substantive and guideline plans as well as the approval process managed by the Federal Office of Transport. CST is also in contact with the municipalities and cantons along the first section to prepare the realization together with them. Construction of the first section will begin in 2026, and it will be operational by 2031. In parallel with the planning work, the operation of city logistics in Zurich and other cities will be ramped up, as this is an integrated part of the CST service. For the “last mile” transports in the cities, CST collaborates with a large number of logistics companies.

No costs for the public sector

From CST’s perspective, the version of the law approved by the National Council ensures a prudent balancing of interests among the involved stakeholders. These include the federal government, cantons, municipalities, landowners, as well as the shareholders and investors of CST. CST ensures emission-free and climate-neutral delivery traffic and will become an important part of Swiss logistics in everyday life and the supply of trade, industry, and the population as a sustainable overall logistics system. As intended from the beginning, there are no financial burdens on the public sector due to CST. Among the over 80 shareholders, IWB, the Basel-based company for energy, water, mobility, and telecommunications, now also holds a seat on the board of directors.

City logistics under the CST brand

Currently, CST is launching its own city logistics with initial offerings in the cities of Zurich and Basel under the CST brand. The successful principle of “collaborative innovation,” combined with digitalization and sustainability, is also at the center of the development of city logistics. The Chairman of the Board of CST, Peter Sutterlüti, commented on today’s decision by the National Council as follows: “We are grateful for today’s decision by the National Council. We have only achieved this milestone for our shareholders and employees thanks to the active support of the Federal Council, the administration, and now also politics.”

Photo: © cargo-sous-terrain