Transport Minister Doris Leuthard on Wednesday said the increase to SFr100 ($106) from SFr40 for an annual permit sticker was necessary to contribute to an upgrade of 387km of roads at a cost of SFr305 million a year.
The Swiss motorway network, begun in 1960, currently covers 1,801km.
Leuthard also announced a series of measures to alleviate traffic congestion, including limited-opening service lanes, a partial ban on trucks in the fast lane, as well as the gradual introduction of lower speed limits.
The proposals, to be approved by parliament, have met mixed reactions.
The Greens and other environmental groups rejected the plans as a cul-de-sac, while the Swiss People’s Party, the Business Federation and road associations argued it was unfair to burden car drivers while railroads continued to benefit from revenue from road traffic.
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Price hikes for road and rail transport network
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It also proposes a gradual and targeted price hike for public rail transport to fund the maintenance and upgrading of the rail network. “Nowadays the tickets do not even pay for 50 per cent of the costs of the train lines,” Transport Minister Doris Leuthard told a news conference on Thursday. The proposals, including the…
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The Swiss Transport and Environment Association and other organisations have collected enough signatures for a people’s initiative on the issue. It was handed in to the Federal Chancellery on Monday. Supporters want the revenue from Switzerland’s petroleum tax to be split evenly between public transport and road infrastructure. Currently it is divided into 75 per…
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A report by the Federal Roads Office presented by the cabinet recommends closing the key traffic artery for up to two and a half years to carry out the extensive work. The repairs will not begin before 2020 and will cost as much as SFr752 million ($782 million). The authorities must decide whether to close…
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This week the Conseil du Léman cross-border organisation presented a proposal for a coordinated regional transport solution, which outlines the most pressing needs of the region. The Lake Geneva region is undergoing an unprecedented business boom. Over the past ten years it has managed to register consistently above-average growth, attracting new companies and residents. Over…
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Even though there are only 100km left to build to complete the government master plan, few are satisfied. The motorist lobby wants wider roads while greens want to spend more on public transport. Most visitors to the country often praise Switzerland’s excellent rail system, but the Swiss also possess an efficient road network. The asphalt…
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The A2, which connects Basel and Chiasso, runs through a populated and yet mountainous area. In places it runs very close to people’s homes. The photo book Wohnort Autobahn (Benteli, 2010) explains the historical, cultural and social background of the people living along this road axis.
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