Road transport grew particularly strongly in domestic sector in 2018 and reached 10.7 billion tonnes per kilometre, the Federal Statistics OfficeExternal link said on Tuesday. The share of rail transport remained at 37% compared with road freight at 63%.
Rail cargo traffic increased by 1.4% last year. Overall, road and rail transport totalled nearly 28 billion tonnes per kilometre.
The main reason for the record figures is economic growth with Gross Domestic Product increasing by 2.8% last year.
However, environmental groups have criticised that implementation of the initiative has been slow and the target of 650,000 annual transits by lorries has not been achieved.
Last week, the government decided to earmark CHF180 million ($182 million) as part of a package to promote the transfer of heavy-goods transport from road to rail. Parliament still has to discuss the proposal.
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Additional funds set aside for transalpine rail transport
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The Swiss government has approved CHF180 million ($182 million) to promote the transfer of heavy-goods transport from road to rail.
Swiss stock market sets a new benchmark above 13,000 points
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The Swiss Market Index (SMI) hit a new all-time high on Monday morning, briefly exceeding 13,000 points, following the German parliamentary elections.
Swiss researchers use AI to monitor railway bridge stability
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Researchers in Zurich can now verify the statics of railway bridges using a new, specially developed artificial intelligence model.
Swiss president reiterates country’s support for Ukraine
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President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter reaffirmed Switzerland's support for Ukraine on Monday at a summit in Kiev to mark the third anniversary of the war. The objective remains a just and lasting peace, she said.
Proportion of women managers in Switzerland up slightly in ten years
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Over the last ten years, the proportion of women in management positions and on the boards of directors of Swiss companies has risen slightly, says a new analysis.
Switzerland concerned over US disengagement from UN human rights body
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Switzerland is concerned about the disengagement of certain states from the UN Human Rights Council, said foreign minister Ignazio Cassis, as the United States and Israel boycott the Geneva-based body.
Employment in Switzerland up slightly at end of 2024
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Total employment in Switzerland, excluding agriculture, rose by 0.9% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of last year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reported on Monday.
Ukrainian ambassador praises ‘unprecedented’ Swiss support
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Three years after the full-scale Russian invasion began, Switzerland's solidarity with Ukraine remains unprecedented, said Ukrainian ambassador Iryna Venediktova
Swiss papers see several hurdles ahead for winner of German elections
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The Swiss newspapers see a difficult starting position for Friedrich Merz, winner of the German parliamentary elections on Sunday.
Hundreds of people in Geneva demonstrate in support of Ukraine
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Over 800 people took part in a rally for Ukraine in Geneva to call for justice, solidarity and unwavering support three years after the Russian invasion began.
Swiss institute hosted informal talks between Russians, Ukrainians and Americans
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The Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP) has hosted 10 meetings between Russian and Ukrainian interlocutors since the start of the war.
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Transalpine goods traffic comes under pressure
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Transport Minister Simonetta Sommaruga has announced measures to speed up a shift of goods traffic from Swiss roads to rail.
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