SWITZERLAND’s Federal Office of Transport (FOT) has amended its controversial new rules governing the operation of wagons, removing the annual inspection requirement deadline in favour of requiring inspection exclusively on distance travelled. However, wagon owning groups have hit back, arguing that the revised framework remains extremely difficult to implement and are calling on FOT to withdraw the measures entirely.

FOT said the amendment it agreed on October 23 was based on intensive dialogue with stakeholders and is based on the availability of new data on the average mileage of freight wagons.

It had already extended the deadline for the start of technical inspections by a year to the end of 2026. However, it says that no further adjustments are planned to the regulation, which tightens the rules on technical inspections of wagons as well as introduces a higher minimum diameter for certain wheels, and obliges entities in charge of maintenance (ECM) to act in response to wheels overheating or the results of a sound test.

The rules announced by FOT on September 11 were introduced in response to the findings of a report issued by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (Sust) in June, which found a systemic risk of further wheel failures following an accident in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023. The incident led to a near 13-month closure of one the running tunnels, proving highly disruptive to trans-Alpine rail freight flows.

“Based on Sust's findings and in consultation with stakeholders, it was essential for the FOT to develop and adopt measures very quickly,” FOT says.

It adds that it continues to advocate for a pan-European solution to the issue, but with the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) not yet responding to the Sust recommendations, FOT “decided to take action itself as a first step in the interest of safety.” It adds that it is in contact with European bodies to find internationally coordinated solutions.

Response

The International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP) has once again criticised FOT’s actions, stating that its approach creates the risk of a supply chain crisis. It says that the Joint Network Secretariat (JNS) of ERA is finalising its own harmonised recommendations on wagon safety, which are expected by the end of the year.

“Against this backdrop, there is no justification for maintaining national rules that contradict the very process designed to deliver European alignment,” UIP says. “As a member of the JNS, the FOT has a voice in pan-European rail safety decisions and should channel its energy into that forum rather than acting alone.

“Switzerland cannot and should not attempt to impose rules on an entire continent. A fact-based, harmonised framework is the only way to strengthen both safety and interoperability across Europe’s rail freight network.”