On Track to the Future

Sustainable Transportation A Challenge for the 21st Century

www.thinkswiss.org Swiss – U.S. Dialogue

“We think it is an excellent time to have a dialogue on public transportation as awareness is growing in the U.S. and in Switzerland. Based on the Swiss experi- ence, I strongly believe that public transportation only works with a strong public commitment.” Urs Ziswiler Swiss Ambassador to the United States of America

“The project of the Embassy of Switzerland initiated a promising exchange and a dialogue on sustainable transportation. On behalf of the American Public Trans- portation Association and our colleagues in the United States, we look forward to building upon this relationship to further the goals of mobility and sustainability in both of our countries as we head into the 21st century.” Michael Schneider Co-Chair APTA Task Force on Public-Private Partnerships

“With an excellent public transportation network, Switzerland makes a contribu-

tion toward reducing CO2 emissions. The investments in railroad modernization constitute an important pillar of the economy. As a transit country in the heart of the old continent, we help Europe to grow closer together through good transpor- tation infrastructure.” Max Friedli Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Transport

ThinkSwiss: Brainstorm the future.

The ThinkSwiss program is under the auspices of Presence Switzerland, the Swiss State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER) and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. For more information, please visit www.thinkswiss.org.

Concept and Author Partners Edition Embassy of Switzerland This brochure was created in collab- Printed in an edition of Office of Science, Technology oration with the Swiss Federal Office 10,000 copies. Copies of and Higher Education of Transport, the American Public this publication may be or- 2900 Cathedral Avenue, N.W. Transportation Association (APTA) dered from the Embassy of Washington, D.C. 20008 and Switzerland Tourism. We also Switzerland in the United www.swissemb.org/scitech thank Franziska Borer Blindenbacher States of America. [email protected] and AlpTransit for their support. Download of Project Management: Dora Fitzli Graphics and Layout this publication: Team: Muriel Gampert, Lukas Blue Room Design, Alexandria, VA www.thinkswiss.org Sieber, Cheryl Fain, Suzanne Zweizig, Daniela Stoffel Partners: Gregor Saladin, Agnès von Beust, Jessica Bechir, Oliver Stauffer, Alex Herrmann

© 2009 Embassy of Switzerland, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. All rights reserved. Executive Summary

Awareness of public transportation and climate change is growing worldwide. In the last century, the need for increased mobility grew substantially around the world. Working toward a more sustainable transportation system is a common challenge for Switzerland and the U.S. Therefore the brochure and the companion exhibit On Track to the Future – Sustainable Transportation: A Challenge for the 21st Century intend to foster multidisciplinary and bilateral discussions and exchanges.

The exhibit and the brochure look at the strengths and challenges of the Swiss and the U.S. public transportation systems. Furthermore, they present information on policies, incentives, in- frastructure and maintenance plans, land-use planning, pricing concepts and timetables, offering an interactive opportunity to learn about sustainable transportation.

The starting point for this project is that Switzerland is building the longest railway tunnel in the world. The tunnel, which will be 35.5 miles long and cross the Alps, will cost about $10 billion. That is a huge investment for such a small country as Switzerland; multiplied by the factor of the population difference, that would be a $400 billion investment project for the U.S.

Contents

2 Challenge 24 Rail Renaissance

4 U.S. and Swiss Travel 26 Sharing Rails

6 Public Transportation 28 Bright Ideas

8 Costs of Transportation 30 Swiss Rail Industry

10 Rail Freight 32 U.S. and Swiss Rail History

12 Public Choice 34 Sustainable Tourism

14 The Swiss Tunnels 36 Bicycling

22 Public Transportation Fund

1 Sustainable Transportation: A Challenge for the 21st Century

Global Transportation: At a Crossroads

Worldwide mobility has increased significantly over the past decades and humans have profited enormously. But we are at a turning point: most transportation is no longer sustainable. Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel System Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel

Benefits Negative Effects

• Economic development • Global warming • Social opportunities • Congestion • Flexibility for the working world • Accidents and health hazards • Personal enrichment • Pollution and noise • Massive consumption of land and natural resources Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel System Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel 2 Switzerland and the U.S. Face Common Challenges

Switzerland and the U.S. are both wealthy, industrialized nations with strained transportation systems. Switzerland is small, but—like the United States—has a huge amount of goods and people traveling through the country.

■ Switzerland ■ U.S.

• Population: 7.5 million (2006) • Population: 299.4 million (2006) • Area: 15,940 sq miles • Area: 3,794,083 sq miles • GDP per capita: $53,340 (2006) • GDP per capita: $44,063 (2006)

Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office and IMF Source: Census Bureau and IMF Source: U.S. Census Bureau Source: Source: Swiss Federal Office of Transport Source:

Switzerland is in the heart of the blue banana— The East Coast in the U.S. is comparable to the an area with enormous economic power and a blue banana. (Night lighting shows the greatest population of 150 million people. population density.)

The Brochure

The brochure is based on the companion exhibit. Both were created by the Embassy of Swit- zerland in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with the Federal Office of Transport in Switzerland, Switzerland Tourism and the American Public Transportation Association as part of a U.S.-wide program “ThinkSwiss-Brainstorm the future.” As a leading country in science and technology, Switzerland is dedicated to working with its American counterparts to address the challenges of sustainability and find solutions that benefit our world.

Exchange rate: $1.00=CHF 1.10, January 9, 2009

3 The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not

Travel Read Only One Page* *Saint Augustine, A.D. 354–430

Traveling Swiss Style vs. American Style

How Many Miles Do We Travel Each Year?

Switzerland Highway modes Plane 6,730 2,120 1,744 Transit Rail 490 320 Other U.S. 168 (Transit)

16,474 1,969 18 (Rail) 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 16000 18000 20000 Average Annual Miles/Citizen (2005)

Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office and U.S. DOT- Bureau of Transportation Statistics

■ How the Swiss Go ■ How Americans Go

• Swiss travel less, but fly as much as • Americans travel more, primarily by private Americans. car (91% of all individual trips). • Swiss people use public transportation • Air travel accounts for 5% of travel. for 19% of all trips. • Mass transit accounts for 2% and is growing.

4 The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not

Travel Read Only One Page* *Saint Augustine, A.D. 354–430

Our Lifestyles: Revealed Through Our Travel

■ Reasons for Traveling in ■ Reasons for Traveling in Switzerland the U.S. Daily travel distance: 23 miles Daily travel distance: 40 miles 1% Service & 1% 6% Service & 6% Guidance School/ 4% Guidance School/ 4% 7% Church Other 9% Church Other Other 7% 9% 9% 4% Other Professional 9% Professional Professional Education 4% Activities Professional Education Activities Activities/ Business Trips 30% Activities/ Business Trips Business Trips Social & 30% Business Trips 45% Social & 45% Recreational 11% Leisure Recreational Leisure Shopping 11% Shopping 32% Family/ 32% Personal Family/ Personal 23% Business 19% Business 19% Work 23% Work Work Work

Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (2005) Source: U.S. DOT (2001)

In Switzerland, with its denser urban areas and In the U.S., with the dominance of suburban more holidays, the main reason for travel is lei- sprawl, most travel miles are done for shopping, sure. driving the kids, and personal errands.

Swiss public transportation is successful and appreciated because it connects not only the big cities, but also small towns and villages. Photos: Courtesy of Swiss Travel System Photos: Courtesy of Swiss Travel 5 Public Transportation: Green, Safe, and Affordable

The High Price of Gasoline

The transportation sector consumes 26% of the world’s energy and 58% of its petroleum. Gaso- line costs differ immensely from one country to another, mainly due to fuel taxes. High gasoline prices have encouraged the use of public transportation in Europe for many years.

Cost of 1 Gallon of Gasoline (March 2008) Norway $8.73

France Germany $8.07 $7.86 USA $3.45 Switzerland $7.56

Venezuela $0.12 Saudi Arabia $0.45 Egypt $0.89

Purchasing power was not taken into account. Source: AIRINC

Swiss trains are popular because they are convenient. They are synchronized with connecting trains and buses, making it easy to travel nationally and internationally. Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel System Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel 6 Energy-Efficient and Good for the Community

Public transportation: • Is energy-efficient: Per person and 100 miles, a train needs 2 to 6 times less gasoline than a car. And, on average, it takes only 5 people on a bus to be more carbon-efficient than a car. • Creates strong neighborhood and economic centers. • Allows people without cars (seniors, disabled) to be mobile. • Is 25 times safer than car travel.

Switzerland and Japan: Railway Champions

An average Swiss person travels 1,248 miles per year by rail and makes 44 trips per year by rail. Only the Japanese take more train trips (69 times/year), but for a slightly shorter distance (1,212 miles). Number of Journeys by Train/Citizen in 2006 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Mexico

U.S.

Canada

Greece

China

Sweden

Denmark

France

Japan

Switzerland

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 Rail Passenger Miles/Citizen in 2006

Source: UIC Railway Statistics, Synopsis, 2006 and LITRA 7 Unveiling the Hidden Costs of Transportation

Transportation: A Major Budget Item

Most U.S. households spend about $8,500/year on transportation, whereas Swiss households spend about $7,000/year. Expenses include vehicles, tickets, fuel, insurance, and taxes. In Swit- zerland, more money goes toward public transportation.

■ Average Household Expenditures ■ Average Household Expenditures in Switzerland (2005) in the U.S. (2006)

9% 9% 13% 13% Food, Drink andFood, Drink and Food Food Tobacco ProductsTobacco Products 11% 11% 39% 39% Personal Personal 34% 34% Insurance Insurance Housing Housing Tax & Tax & 23% 23% Insurances Insurances & Pensions & Pensions (Swiss do not (Swiss do not Housing Housing pay taxes at source) pay taxes at source) 4% 4% Apparel & Apparel & 8% 8% Services Services Transportation Transportation 15% 15% Other Other 18% 18% 4% 17%4% 17% 17% 17% Public Public Transportation Transportation Education, Culture,Education,Healthcare Culture, Healthcare 6% 6% Transportation Transportation Healthcare Healthcare6% 6% CommunicationCommunication Expenditures Expenditures & Other & Other Public Public 83% 83% Transportation Transportation Private VehiclesPrivate Vehicles Expenditures Expenditures Expenditures Expenditures 94% 94% Private VehiclesPrivate Vehicles Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office Expenditures Expenditures

Source: U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics Photo: Courtesy of PostBus Switzerland Ltd. 8 The Full Costs of Transportation Exceed What Users Pay

People and governments pay for most trans- portation costs directly (vehicles, fares, fuel, insurance, and infrastructure). But transpor- tation also has surprising hidden (or indirect) costs that society at large must pay:

• Uncovered costs of accidents • Health impacts • Building damage • Air pollution • Noise Switzerland’s fee on heavy vehicles—introduced • Effects on the environment in 2001—considers both direct and indirect costs. This is part of Switzerland’s sustainable transport policy and helps shift some of the freight traffic from road to rail.

Rail Travel Is Cheaper than Road Travel in Switzerland

In 2003, in Switzerland, total annual costs for road transport stood at $59.2 billion (12% of the GDP) and at $9.4 billion for rail transport (2.4 % of the GDP).

■ Switzerland ■ U.S.

Road Rail In California, the full costs of highway travel was estimated at 37 cents/pas- Full Costs 72 cents 58 cents (passenger- (passenger- senger-mile versus 38 cents/passen- mile) mile) ger-mile for a proposed high-speed rail. Paid by: Indirect costs were 1% for the rail vs. 14% for highways (1996 Study). • Users 89.6% 65.5% • Government 1.6% 30.2% • Society at large 8.8% 4.3% (=indirect costs)

Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office

9 U.S. and Switzerland: Leaders in Rail Freight

Transporting Goods: A Question of Geography and Priorities

In 2004, Switzerland transported about 40% of its freight by rail. The United States transported 38% in 2000. These percentages are impressively high compared to most European countries, where the average is around 8%. The European Commission would like to reach 15% by 2020.

■ Switzerland ■ U.S. Freight Flows by Road (2000) Freight Flows by Road (2002)

Freight Flows by Rail (2003) Freight Flows by Rail (2005)

Source: INFOPLAN-ARE, SBB, Kartographie BBS Source: U.S.-DOT-Federal Highway Administration

Highway freight corridors differ from rail freight corridors. Rail freight is dominant in Switzerland’s Alpine region and in the heartland of the U.S. where distances are immense.

10 Why the U.S. Carries More Freight by Rail than Europe

■ U.S. ■ Europe

• Longer distances • More competitive coastal transportation • Coal transport accounts for almost 23% of • Priority given to passenger service rail and truck ton-miles in the U.S., but only • Lack of interoperability between countries 1% in Europe.

More Trucks on More Crowded Roads

Freight transportation has developed rapidly as population and international trade have grown. To diminish congestion and to stay economically competitive, improvements are urgently needed. Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel System Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel

11 Public Transportation: A Popular Choice

Time and Again, Swiss Citizens Vote for Trains

■ Swiss voters generally approve projects for public transportation. Particularly successful was a proposal to build and finance the New Rail Link through the Alps, featuring two large tunnels.

DATE TITLE OF THE VOTE CONTENT YES (%)

September 27, 1992 New Rail Link To build efficient rail traffic across 63.6 through the Alps the Alps. (NRLA)

February 20, 1994 Alpine Initiative Transalpine freight traffic must be 51.9 transferred to rail; no new transit roads across the Alps. Photo: swiss-image.ch/ Roland Gerth

Extension of heavy Flat-rate heavy vehicle fee extended 72.2 vehicle fee until the introduction of a perform- ance-related heavy vehicle fee.

Heavy vehicle fee Proposal for a performance- 67.1 related heavy vehicle fee.

September 27, 1998 Heavy vehicle fee Law to establish performance- 57.2 related heavy vehicle fee.

November 29, 1998 Public Financing for four rail infrastructure 63.5 Transportation projects ($28.5 billion). Fund

Source: Swiss Association of Public Transport

12 In Vogue in America

■ When put to a vote in America, public transportation measures also fare well: • In Denver, 58% approved a $4.7 billion transit project, with the construction of 122 miles of new rails (2004). • In Charlotte, N.C., 70% voted to keep a half-cent sales tax that funds their transit system (2007). • In California, 52% voted for a high-speed passenger train from southern California to the San Francisco Bay area (2008).

Initiative and Popular Referendum Popular Referendum Only Initiative Constitutional Amendments Only Neither Method

Source: Initiative & Referendum Institute at the University of Southern California

Twenty-seven U.S. states have some type of citizen initiative and referendum process.

13 The Swiss Plan: Digging Deep to Protect the Alps

The European Economy Outgrows Its Roads

The strong economy and the opening of borders in Europe have increased freight traf- fic by about 50% since 1990! With more goods to transport north-south through the Alps, Switzerland’s roads and rail- ways are being strained.

Building a New Rail Link through the Alps

To protect the Alps, Switzerland will shift more freight traffic from the roads to the rails, by building two gigantic tunnels: the Lötschberg and the Gotthard Base Tunnels.

The new tunnels will be part of the European freight corridor (Netherlands-Italy) and high- speed network.

Source: Swiss Federal Office of Transport

14 The Challenge: To Move More Cargo by Rail

1.2 million freight trucks currently cross the Swiss Alps per year. Switzerland wants to cut this amount in half and to return to a higher rail share. In 2007, 64% of goods went through the Swiss Alps by rail. This is a high percentage, but in 1986, the rail share was 81%.

Freight Traffic through the Alps

■ Switzerland France Austria

50

40

30

20

10

0 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

2007 2007 2007 Road 36.0% Road 76.6% Road 73.3% Rail 64.0% Rail 23.4% Rail 26.7% Total 39.5 million tons Total 28.2 million tons Total 49.6 million tons

Road Rail incl. intermodal rail/road traffic Source: Swiss Federal Office of Transport

Switzerland’s share of rail traffic through the Alps is more than double that of France and Austria.

15 One of the Greatest Public Works of All Time

The Longest Railway Tunnel in the World

At 35 miles long, the Gotthard Base Tunnel will break all records! The Lötschberg Base Tunnel is also in the top 5.

NAME LENGTH (MILES) COUNTRY DATE

Gotthard Base Tunnel 35.5 Switzerland 2017

Seikan Tunnel 33.5 Japan 1988

Channel Tunnel 31.0 U.K.-France 1994

Lotschberg Base Tunnel 21.5 Switzerland 2007

Guadarrama 17.6 Spain 2007

Taihang 17.3 China 2009

Hakkoda 16.4 Japan 2010

Iwate-Ichinohe 16.0 Japan 2002

Source: Swiss Federal Office of Transport

The Gotthard Base Tunnel: A Massive Endeavor

• 20 years and 6,000 people • 24 million tons of rock extracted—enough to build a pyramid five times larger than the largest pyramid, Cheops • $8.7 billion in total costs Source: AlpTransit Gotthard AlpTransit Source:

16 Leveling the Rail through the Alps

2,500m = 8,202ft Old Route

2,000m = 6,562ft New Route 1,500m = 4,921ft

1,000m = 3,280ft

500m = 1,640ft

0 Source: AlpTransit Gotthard

The construction of base tunnels on the Gotthard and Ceneri provides a modern low-gradient railway through the Alps. The highest point is only 1,804 feet above sea level, the same as the Swiss capital city of Bern.

The Gotthard Base Tunnel will offer a real alternative to planes, cars and trucks:

• Shorter travel times—One hour less from Zurich to Milan, Italy (2 hours 40 minutes) • Longer trains • More freight capacity—4,000 tons instead of the current 2,000 tons Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel System Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel

In the old system, trains had to climb a steep grade across the Alps.

17 When Boring Gets Exciting

Geology Determines the Ideal Route

Experienced geologists found the optimal route for the tunnels by making trial borings through many different rock strata in the Alps.

How a Tunnel Is Made: The Classic Method

Where rock is brittle or soft, miners drill and blast their way through the mountain. This older method is generally slower than using tunnel-boring machines. Photo: AlpTransit Gotthard Photo: AlpTransit

The Innovative Method: Tunnel-Boring Machines

Where rock is strong and stable, tunnel- boring machines (TBMs) are used to cut through the rock and also support the fresh- ly bored tunnel.

About 90% (31 miles out of 35.5) of the Gotthard Base Tunnel is being drilled with boring

machines. Gotthard Photo: AlpTransit

18 How a TBM Works

The drilling head has rotating steel disks that are turned slowly while being pressed against the rock face with a force of up to 2,000 tons. Small, flat pieces of rock break off and are directly removed by a conveyor belt. Photo: AlpTransit Gotthard Photo: AlpTransit

Tunnel-Boring Machines: Key Facts

• Length: Over 1,312 feet • Weight: Over 3,000 tons • Driving power: 3,500 kW (4700 hp) • Diameter of the cutting heads: 31 feet • Advance per day: Up to 131 feet Photo: AlpTransit Gotthard Photo: AlpTransit Photo: AlpTransit Gotthard Photo: AlpTransit 19 Environment and Safety: Top Construction Priorities

The Art of Recycling

In William Tell’s home in central Switzerland, excavated tunnel material is used to build islands in Urner Lake. Some islands are set aside as natural reserves for birds; the others are for nature lovers and swimmers.

To counter noise and dust pollution, construc- tion plants, workshops, warehouses and even conveyor belts are designed as enclosed units. Photo: AlpTransit Gotthard Photo: AlpTransit Photo: AlpTransit Gotthard Photo: AlpTransit

20 For Safety’s Sake: One Tunnel Is Two Tunnels

Bodio Portal

Multifunction station Faido Emergency Shafts Sedrun stop station

Access tunnel Shaft II Faido Shaft I

Multifunction station Emergency Sedrun stop station

Main tunnel

Emergency stop in the tunnel

Erstfeld Portal Access tunnel Amsteg

Exhaust air

Fresh air/Evacuation tunnel Source: AlpTransit Gotthard AlpTransit Source:

The Gotthard and Lötschberg tunnels are each composed of two single-track tunnels. They are located about 131 feet apart and with connecting galleries every 984 feet.

In case of emergency:

• Passengers can easily access the other rail tunnel for an evacuation train. • Crossovers allow trains to change from one track to the other. • Side tunnels and connecting galleries blow in fresh air. • Slight overpressure prevents smoke from entering the escape route. Photo: AlpTransit Gotthard Photo: AlpTransit

21 Paying for the Ride: A Long-Term Investment

Sustainable Funding for Sustainable Transportation

■ In 1998, Swiss voters approved a new Public Transportation Fund of approximately $28.5 billion. It runs over a 20-year period and provides secure funding outside the uncertainties of the Parliament’s annual budget process.

How the Public Transportation Fund Gets Its Money

$28.5 billion Government Advances The government will advance up to $7.8 bil- lion during the project’s 65% 25% 10% more expensive begin- ning phase. This amount should be reimbursed.

Heavy Vehicle Fee (65%) Mineral Oil Tax (25%) Value-Added Tax (10%) A federal charge levied on A federal tax on fossil fuels. A federal excise sales and vehicles over 7,716 lbs. It business tax of 7.6%. is performance-related and $2.50 per gallon of gasoline based on total weight, emis- 1% goes into the Fund sion levels, miles driven in Switzerland and neighboring Liechtenstein. 2/3 go into the Fund

Source: AlpTransit Gotthard

22 Points of Comparison with the U.S.

■ • A comparable infrastructure commitment on a U.S.-scale would be around $1.5 trillion. • In the U.S. the nationwide average tax on gasoline is $0.48 per gallon compared to Swit- zerland’s $3 (2008). • The U.S. Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is levied on vehicles over 55,000 lbs. and is capped at $550/vehicle/year. It is based only on weight and not on mileage. Only the State of Oregon has a fee based on weight and distance like Switzerland.

One Fund for Four Projects

■ Use of the Public Transportation Fund in Switzerland (Total approx. $28.5 billion)

34% Rail 2000— 47% Improving rail services Alp Transit Gotthard

4% Noise Reduction 3% Connection to the 12% European high-speed AlpTransit network Lötschberg

The Fund finances three transportation projects in addition to the tunnels.

23 A Rail Renaissance

Record Ridership on U.S. and Swiss Trains

■ Rail travel has become attractive again in the last two decades. In 2008, Amtrak posted the sixth year of record ridership. This can be attributed to: • Increasing gas prices • Airline fare increases and less service

Amtrak Ridership 1996-2008 30,000,000

27,000,000

24,000,000

21,000,000

18,000,000

15,000,000

12,000,000

9,000,000

6,000,000

3,000,000

0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Source: Amtrak

■ Switzerland’s public transportation has also gained in popularity for several reasons:

• Half-fare cards and special youth offers • Reliable and high-caliber service • Frequent trains at regular intervals • Restricted parking for cars in cities Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel System Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel

24 High-Speed Rail: Faster than Flying!

The French high-speed train (TGV) set a record of 357 mph! High-speed trains can be faster and more convenient than air travel: There is no check-in, and passengers can use cell phones and wireless Internet. • Geneva-Paris: 342 miles—3h 22m (TGV) • London-Paris: 306 miles—2h 15m (Eurostar) • Boston-Washington, D.C.: 456 miles— 6h 40m (Acela)

• San Francisco-Los Angeles: 432 miles— Tilting trains run faster by leaning into the curve. 2h 38m (planned high-speed rail) They have been operating in Switzerland and the U.S. (the Acela on the East Coast) since 2000.

Return of the Streetcars

After a decline in the mid-20th century, a streetcar revival has taken place in Europe and North America. Europe recently experienced a 40% increase in streetcar tracks. • Washington, D.C., plans to have streetcars operating on its roads by 2009. • L.A. may revive its beloved streetcar to connect Broadway with downtown. • Atlanta is proposing an electric streetcar on Peachtree St., and a revival of a former rail beltway. Photo: Portland Streetcar, Inc. Photo: Portland Streetcar,

Portland, Oregon’s new light-rail lines are part of one of the best transit systems in the U.S.

25 Moving Freely Across Borders

Toward an Open Rail Market in Europe

■ In Europe, railroads were natural monopolies, owned by individual governments—often with individual technical specifications (i.e., electric current, tracks). This made it difficult to cross borders.

To achieve a single market and reduce greenhouse gases, the E.U. is opening rail service to competition and integrat- ing technologies. This is creating a revi- talized rail freight market. Photo: swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderreger

Although not an E.U. member, Switzerland is also integrating its rails and opening the market to foreign companies. Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel System Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Travel

26 European Trains Learn a Single Language

■ To simplify cross-border travel, the standardized European Train Control System (ETCS) will replace the various national control and signaling systems over the next few years.

Traffic Control System

R M- GS Interlocking RBC StSelylwsteermk SStetellwllweerkrk

ETCS EuroCAB

Transponder creating track information

GFM

Source: Swiss Federal Office of Transport

An advanced ETCS, where drivers receive signals in the cab itself, is being introduced in Switzerland’s new rail tunnels.

Sharing the Rails in the U.S.

■ In the U.S., rail networks are privately owned and also had to be unified. Legis- lation in the 1980s eliminated overregula- tion and allowed companies to use each others’ tracks.

More than 97% of the tracks Amtrak uses are owned by cargo railroads, making it difficult to run efficiently between cities.

27 Bright Ideas for Transportation

Swiss Engineering: A Train Every Half-Hour

Switzerland’s famous timetable, created in 1982, is the highlight of its public transportation sys- tem. For user friendliness, trains leave regularly every half-hour and are synchronized with trains and buses at the 28,000 stations.

Creating this efficient system is not easy. Engineers must optimize when trains stop and go, how long they spend in stations, the number and types of trains in use, and how fast they move. Infrastructure—the most expensive piece of the puzzle—is the final element to consider.

B as el Winterthur 30 Min. S t.G allen 30 Min. Olten 30 Min. Delémont 30 Min. 30 Min. Zürich 30 Min. 60 Min. 30 Min. 60 Min. 45 Min. 60 Min. B iel/B ienne 30 Min. 60 Min. Goldau S argans B ern L uzern 60 Min. C hur

via Gotthard 60 Min. 60 Min. Interlaken Basistunnel 120 Min. 60 Min. 30 Min. L aus anne via Lötschberg Basistunnel

90 Min.

G enève Vis p

Milano L ugano

Milano Swiss Federal Office of Transport Source:

To synchronize Swiss public transportation, new trains and rails were built to fit travel time between major cities into hourly and half-hourly schedules.

28 Mountain Climbing Made Easy

The American construction of the world’s first cog railway at Mount Washington in New Hampshire by Sylvester Marsh helped convince Swiss authorities and investors to launch the first European cog railway on Rigi Mountain in Switzerland.

Profiting from the tourism boom in the Alps, Swiss engineers developed a large number of cog railways in Europe. Photo: Swiss Museum of Transport Niklaus Riggenbach constructed the first Euro- pean cog railway up Rigi mountain in Switzerland in 1871.

The Steepest Subway in the World Cars Can Also Be More Sustainable Photo: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

In 2008, Lausanne inaugurated the first metro in “PacCar II” developed by ETH Zurich is the most Switzerland. The average gradient is 5.7% with publics de la région lausannoise SA Photo: Transports fuel-efficient concept car in the world, reaching short sections at 12%! 12,665 mpg. That’s halfway around the world!

29 Made in Switzerland: A Vibrant Railroad Industry

The Great Train Catch-Up

The rail industry lagged behind the auto in- dustry in manufacturing methods, but caught up in the 1990s with computerized technolo- gies and consolidation.

Switzerland is home to many companies that make railcars for modern transportation needs. Photo: Swiss Federal Office of Transport

Stadler: Swiss Railcars Rolling on the Rail to Success

Stadler, a Swiss family-owned company, makes many railcars and trams for the world. Sales of their cars increased from under $5 million in 1990 to an estimated $1.1 billion in 2007. Photo: Stadler Photo: Stadler

Stadler delivered railcars to New Jersey for a Stadler built silent and environmentally-friendly regional passenger service. diesel-operated light-rail cars for Austin, Texas.

30 Bombardier: A One-Size-Fits-All Locomotive

Bombardier Transportation, a Swiss-based, Canadian-owned company has made an in- novative locomotive called TRAXX. It uses interchangeable modules with power conver- sion units to run on different electrical sys- tems and different tracks. Photo: Bombardier Transportation Photo: Bombardier

To cross borders efficiently on the important north-south transport routes, the Swiss rail freight company bought many TRAXX locomo- tives from Bombardier. Photo: Bombardier Transportation Photo: Bombardier

31 A Brief History of Swiss and American Rails

Rail Timeline: The U.S. Often a Step Ahead

The “iron horse” began to replace real horsepower in the 19th century. Before then, public transportation—except for ferryboats—did not exist since home, work, and recreation were mostly within walking distance.

■ Switzerland ■ U.S.

Trains Trains 1845 First railway 1830 First railroad in station Baltimore 1847 First train: 1869 “The Golden “Spanisch- Spike” com- Brötli-Bahn” pletes the 1882 The Gotthard nation’s first Tunnel transcontinen- (9.3 miles) tal railroad Photo: Swiss Museum of Transport opens 1934 The Burlington The first Swiss locomotive train was called the Zephyr 9900 1898 Swiss vote “Spanisch-Brötli-Bahn” because it whisked fresh to nationalize bread from Baden bakers to Zurich customers in train sets major rail a mere 30 minutes. speed record enterprises between 1913 The Chicago and Lötschberg Denver train is 1971 Amtrak is inaugurated established 2017 Projected by the opening of government the longest 2000 The high- railway tunnel speed Acela in the world: is launched on Gotthard Base the East Coast Tunnel (35.5 miles)

32 ■ Switzerland ■ U.S.

Streetcars Streetcars 1862 First horse- 1832 The first U.S. pulled tram in streetcar, Switzerland in pulled by Geneva horses, is built in New York. It goes electric in the 1880s.

Funicular Cable Cars 1877 Switzerland’s 1873 The first cable first funicular car begins runs in operation in Lausanne, San Francisco and is later transformed into a cog- railway Photo: swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger

The Gelmer funicular in the Canton of Bern is the steepest in the world with a 106% gradient.

Subways Subways 2008 Switzerland 1897 Boston opens inaugurates its the first U.S. first subway in subway Lausanne, one century after the U.S.

33 Switzerland Is Wonderfully Connected

Discover Switzerland by Train, Bus and Boat

Within minutes of touching down on the runway, visitors to Switzerland can be on a train. Half-hourly departures from both Zurich and Geneva airports to most Swiss destinations make train travel fast and conven- ient. Trains also depart every few minutes for the city centers. Photo: swissworld.org

Travel in Switzerland - Services Included

The Swiss Federal Railways is constantly improving its already excellent services, adding such amenities as children’s play cars, quiet cars and various dining cars serving Swiss specialities.

34 Swiss Pass - One Ticket for All

No need to rent a car in Switzerland! With the Swiss Pass, visitors have unlimited access to Switzerland’s trains, buses and boats. This pass is available for variable time periods up to one month. Photo: swissworld.org

The Swiss Pass covers not only the legendary routes, but also gives visitors discounts on cable cars and scenic mountain-top excursions.

For more information, please visit MySwitzerland.com/rail

35 Scenic Trains: Where the Journey Is the Destination

The Glacier Express

From Zermatt to St. Moritz the Glacier Express with its new panorama coaches passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. Dining op- tions include an at- tractively furnished restaurant car or snack service.

The Bernina Express

Switzerland’s highest railway route climbs to an altitude of 7,434 feet above sea level and passes spectacular glaciers and waterfalls on its way to Italy.

36 The Wilhelm Tell Express

Switzerland’s legendary thirteen-century hero gave his name to this route between central Switzerland and Italian-speaking Ticino. Travelers cross Lake Lucerne by boat and connect with a train on the famous Gotthard route.

The GoldenPass Line

Linking German- and French-speaking Swit- zerland, this route be- tween Lucerne and Montreux travels along six lakes and over three mountain passes.

For more informa- tion, please visit MySwitzerland.com/rail Photo: swissworld.org

37 Bike Switzerland: Building a Nation of Bicyclists Photo: Switzerland Mobility Foundation

Fun and Fitness Schaffhausen

Basel Frauenfeld St.Gallen Liestal Herisau Delémont Aarau Zürich Appenzell In 1998, Switzerland inaugurated a network Solothurn Zug Vaduz Schwyz Glarus Neuchâtel Luzern of nine national bike routes. These dedicated Bern Stans Altdorf Chur Sarnen bike trails cover approximately 1,800 miles. Fribourg

Lausanne In 2007, cyclists made 4.6 million day trips Genève Sion Bellinzona and over 200,000 vacation trips on Switzer- land’s national bike routes. This amounts to about 155 million miles—almost to the sun Switzerland’s national bike route network totals and back! 1,800 miles. Regional networks add another 3,000 miles.

Switzerland’s bike-trail network started as a grassroots movement of cycling enthusiasts and was quickly embraced by the federal and regional governments and by sports and tourism organizations to become a unified na- tional effort. Photo: Switzerland Tourism

Switzerland’s national bike network is recogniz- able by its distinct signage.

38 Work and Commute

The integration of bicycling infrastructure with public transportation is key to supporting bicy- cling. Almost all train stations have extensive bike parking facilities. Many trains have designated bike cars with bicycle stands to hold the bikes secure while en route.

Since building an underground bike garage with 1,700 places, Basel, Switzerland, has seen a 50% increase in bicycle traffic to the train station.

■ Commuting in the U.S. ■ Commuting in Switzerland 0.4% 4% 4.6% 7% 2% Bicycle Other Public Other Bicycle Transportation 20% 12% Train Carpooling

5% Other Public Transportation 3% 76% Foot 66% Single Person in Automobile Automobile

The U.S. has about 128 million daily commuters. Switzerland has about 3.8 million commuters.

Source: IAC Transportation 2008 Source: 2005 census, Mobility in Switzerland, BFS

39 Urban Biking: Building Bicycle-Friendly Cities Photo: Staatskanzlei Basel-Stadt

Swiss and U.S. Promotion of Bicycling

Many urban areas have active agendas to promote bicycling. In the U.S. these include Washing- ton, D.C., Portland, OR, and university towns such as Davis, CA, which currently sees 17% of its commuting done on bicycles. Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, increased bicycle traffic to 7% over 30 years, and is working to reach 12%. Basel, a smaller city, has achieved 22%. Photo: City of Portland (Bureau of Transportation) Photo: City of Portland (Bureau Photo: Staatskanzlei Basel-Stadt

Both U.S. cities such as Portland (left) and Swiss cities such as Basel (right) have introduced infrastruc- ture over the last 30 years to make urban streets safer for bicyclists.

40 The Importance of Networking

Building an integrated bicycle-route network is more important than actual miles of bike lanes. If cyclists feel secure for their entire trip, they are more likely to ride. Zurich’s integrated network of 319 miles will be finalized in 2009. Basel has an 87-mile network. Photo: City of Zurich Photo: Staatskanzlei Basel-Stadt

Along with creating on- and off-road bike lanes, cities build their bike network by reducing traffic to 30 kilometers per hour (under 20 mph) on residential streets. They also create lanes for opposing bike traffic on one-way streets.

Safety at Intersections

Most accidents happen at intersections, when cyclists are not visible to cars. To increase safety, cities have introduced designated traf- fic lights for bicycles, “trixi mirrors,” and in- direct left turns. At some busy intersections, cyclists receive a place in front of cars to wait for the light to change. Photo: Staatskanzlei Basel-Stadt Turning left: So that cyclists do not have to cross lanes of traffic, cities have introduced indirect left turns. Outreach

To get more people on bicycles, Zurich has begun several innovative outreach initiatives: • A training program for immigrants who come from countries without a bicycling culture • Service bicycles for government officials who make business trips in the city • Züri Rollt: A program where bicycles are made freely available for temporary use. Riders sim- ply pick up a bike at one of several central locations, leave a $20 refundable deposit and go! The program is staffed by and benefits refugees.

41 Do you know…

• What is similar between the U.S. and Switzerland? • How many percent the transportation sector consumes of the word’s energy and of its petroleum? • When the first train crossed the U.S. from one coast to the other (Golden Spike)? • Which country is building the longest railway tunnel in the world?

Useful Information on Transportation:

ThinkSwiss www.thinkswiss.org Swiss Federal Office of Transport www.bav.admin.ch Swiss Federal Office of Spatial Development www.are.admin.ch Swiss Federal Office for the Environment www.bafu.admin.ch Swiss Federal Railways www.sbb.ch Association for Public Transportation in Switzerland www.voev.ch Switzerland Tourism www.myswitzerland.com Swiss Traffic www.swisstraffic.ch

American Public Transportation Association www.apta.com U.S. Department of Transportation www.dot.gov U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics www.bts.gov AMTRAK www.amtrak.com American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials www.transportation.org

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