RailCom rules in two proceedings and is assigned new responsibilities
Bern, 27.04.2026 — The Rail Transport Commission RailCom is improving non-discriminatory access to transport infrastructure in several ways. In 2025 it issued two legally binding decisions; since 1 January 2026 it has been responsible for access to port infrastructure on the Rhine; and furthermore, it is actively working to improve access to infrastructure data in the rail sector. More information can be found in the RailCom 2025 activity report, published today.
Decisions regarding intermodal freight terminals and train path allocation
In 2025 RailCom issued two final decisions concerning non-discriminatory access to the rail network and to intermodal freight terminals:
- In its decision of 14 February 2025, it determined in an ex officio investigation that the operator of an intermodal freight terminal co-financed by the Confederation had, with its discount system, breached the principle of granting non-discriminatory access.
- In 2024 a railway undertaking (RU) operating passenger services lodged an appeal with RailCom against a decision by the Swiss Capacity Allocation Body (TVS). The TVS had not granted the RU the full capacity applied for, instead allocating the paths in question to another company, which intended to use them for freight services. RailCom considered the case and concluded that the allocation of train paths had been carried out in accordance with the law. It therefore dismissed the RU’s appeal in its decision of 24 October 2025.
New responsibilities regarding access to port infrastructure for freight transport on the Rhine
Under amendments to the Goods Carriage Act in force since 1 January 2026, the Swiss Rhine ports are now required to grant non-discriminatory access to their port infrastructure. RailCom has assumed new responsibilities in this area and so ensures non-discriminatory access to a further part of the transport infrastructure.
Improved access to infrastructure data strengthens non-discriminatory network access
RailCom is actively involved in the field of infrastructure data in order to further promote fair access to the rail infrastructure. In 2025 it organised a symposium on this topic, which brought together different viewpoints in the industry, fostered dialogue and at which the first use cases were launched. Under the planned national mobility data infrastructure (MODI) programme, RailCom is taking on the transport infrastructure use case with a focus on railways.