Swiss government backs SBB single-wagon freight with CHF 260m

The federal government supports the loss-making single-wagon-load business (2024: loss of CHF 81 million at SBB Cargo Switzerland) with CHF 260 million over four years; in return EWLV is meant to become self-sustaining. From the timetable change on 13 December 2026 a new production model applies, with which about 98% of wagons will still be carried according to SBB, accompanied by socially responsible job cuts.

On 8 December 2025 the BAV signed the performance agreement for single-wagon-load traffic 2026–2029 with SBB Cargo, based on the Freight Transport Act revised in spring 2025: parliament approved support limited to eight years, CHF 260 million is available for the first four, and the federal government also backs SBB's investment in automation and digitalisation. SBB Cargo Switzerland was the only railway undertaking to submit an offer, must report to the BAV quarterly and may not use the funds for cross-subsidies. The business is heavily loss-making (2024: loss of CHF 81 million) and is meant to become self-sustaining: from the timetable change on 13 December 2026 a new production model with an adjusted network applies, service points with too little demand are dropped, about 98% of wagons can still be carried according to SBB, and jobs no longer needed are cut in a socially responsible way. The SEV union calls for a long-term commitment from the federal government and criticises the renewed cuts at SBB Cargo. (LOK Report, 9 Dec 2025)