Railway undertakings should have equal rights to use the Swiss railway network. We provide for planning impartially, allocating capacity and making best use of the rights to use the rail network (train paths).
This requires close coordination between applicants for train paths, infrastructure managers and trasse.ch. The result of this coordination is the timetable.
We are commited to impartial allocation of the rights to use the SBB, BLS and SOB railway networks.
We ensure that the processes to prepare for the timetable are free of discrimination, coordinate the resolution of conflicts between applications as allocate train paths in accordance with the legislation. We increase the attractiveness of the rail mode by making the best use of the network and optimise the application processes.
We promote the railway with market-oriented train paths offering the best possible use of the scarce capacities and efficient train path allocation processes.
Our Principles – Neutrality, Quality and Efficiency
- Equal treatment of applicants – We guarantee that use of the network will be free of discrimination by investigating, working through and adjudicating on train path conflicts transparently and impartially.
- Making best use of the capacity of the rail network – We resolve train path conflicts by working with our customers and the infrastructure managers to find attractive solutions.
- A high quality of service – We support each individual undertaking from initial planning to path allocation in accordance with its needs.
- Consistent support for customers – We contribute to increasing the attractiveness of the rail mode by using practical procedures and a conflict resolution process which is aligned to the needs of the market.
- Efficient processes – We are committed to continuous market-oriented development and to international harmonisation of path planning and allocation processes.
Background of Trasse Schweiz
The creation of an independant train path allocation body is a declaration of our belief in fair competition.
Railway Reform 1 of 1999 was intended to promote on-rail competition and thus to promote more attractive services in the timetable. However, even after the reforms were implemented, the railways continued to allocate train paths on their own networks themselves. Discrimination was thus still theoretically possible. However, competition can only bring benefits if all railway undertakings are treated equally when seeking access to the infrastructure.
The 2005 communication on Railway Reform 2 therefore included the creation of a train path allocation body independent of the railways. This communication was rejected by Parliament however. The delays this caused induced SBB, BLS and SOB to outsource the allocation of their train paths to a joint independent body. Accordingly, at the beginning of 2006, and in conjunction with the Swiss Public Transport Operators’ Association, these railways together founded Trasse Schweiz AG (trasse.ch).
By outsourcing train path allocation to a body which is legally and organisationally independent and independent in its decision making, the three largest Swiss standard gauge railways together with the Swiss Public Transport Operators’ Association reinforce their commitment to fair on-rail competition. Accordingly, we consider ourselves to be a customer-focused service provider.
