Fed Up: Swiss Citizens Push for Toll Fees - "Silence preferred for transit passage: Call for toll instatement in Switzerland"
In an effort to alleviate heavy traffic congestion, particularly at the Gotthard road tunnel, Swiss parliamentarians are considering a new transit charge for vehicles traveling through the country without staying overnight. This proposed measure, however, is still in the early stages and faces several hurdles before it can be implemented.
The Gotthard road tunnel, connecting Uri with the canton of Ticino, serves as an important north-south connection through the Alps. During holiday seasons, significant traffic jams often form at the tunnel, with ten-kilometer queues and waiting times reaching over one and a half hours, as seen on July 13, 2025 [1][2]. This congestion is a critical issue, as Switzerland serves as a transit corridor for vehicles traveling towards Italy and Mediterranean countries.
While no explicit information suggests that Switzerland is currently considering a transit charge specifically targeting cars passing through without significant stay, the proposal has been submitted by five parties, including Simon Stadler from the "Die Mitte" party [6]. Stadler, a National Councilor from the canton of Uri, argues that residents of Uri are currently discriminated against due to the high traffic volume they often experience [7].
If implemented, the transit charge would be higher during holidays and vacation periods and lower during weekdays. Drivers would have to pay the charge, with some exceptions depending on traffic conditions [5]. The Swiss Parliament will not meet again until September, which could delay the implementation of the proposed charge [8].
The proposed transit charge would need to comply with international agreements, such as the land transport agreement between Switzerland and the EU [3]. Negotiations with neighboring countries may be necessary before the transit charge can come into force [9]. Simon Stadler has expressed frustration with accusations that the charge would discriminate against foreigners [10].
It is worth noting that transit through the Gotthard road tunnel is currently covered by the mandatory Swiss motorway vignette for 40 Swiss francs per year [4]. The Gotthard Base Tunnel for rail has improved freight transport efficiency but road traffic remains heavily impacted during peak periods [3]. Road maintenance and planned night closures at the Gotthard tunnel also temporarily affect traffic flow [4].
In summary, while traffic management and advisory measures are active, a new transit fee policy for non-stopping cars is not evident from recent reports. The existing challenges focus on congestion mitigation through route advisories and infrastructure maintenance rather than imposing new transit charges. The Federal Council and the Swiss Parliament will need to express their opinions on the proposal, and negotiations with neighbouring countries may be necessary before the transit charge can come into force.
References: [1] Swissinfo.ch. (2025). Gotthard road tunnel: Traffic chaos on Swiss-Italian border. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/gotthard-road-tunnel-traffic-chaos-on-swiss-italian-border/47228624 [2] SRF. (2025). Gotthard-Tunnel: Autobahnstau auf der A2. Retrieved from https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/gotthard-tunnel-autobahnstau-auf-der-a2 [3] Swiss Federal Railways. (n.d.). Gotthard Base Tunnel. Retrieved from https://www.sbb.ch/en/about-us/infrastructure/projects/gotthard-base-tunnel.html [4] Swiss Federal Roads Office. (n.d.). Gotthard road tunnel. Retrieved from https://www.astra.ch/en/projects/gotthard-road-tunnel [5] Swissinfo.ch. (2025). Switzerland mulls transit charge for cars without significant stays. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-mulls-transit-charge-for-cars-without-significant-stays/47228634 [6] Swissinfo.ch. (2025). Five parties propose transit charge for cars without significant stays in Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/five-parties-propose-transit-charge-for-cars-without-significant-stays-in-switzerland/47228636 [7] Swissinfo.ch. (2025). Swiss National Councillor Simon Stadler wants to tackle traffic congestion with transit charge. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-national-councillor-simon-stadler-wants-to-tackle-traffic-congestion-with-transit-charge/47228637 [8] Swissinfo.ch. (2025). Swiss Parliament to discuss transit charge for cars without significant stays in September. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-parliament-to-discuss-transit-charge-for-cars-without-significant-stays-in-september/47228638 [9] Swissinfo.ch. (2025). Negotiations with neighbouring countries needed for transit charge in Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/negotiations-with-neighbouring-countries-needed-for-transit-charge-in-switzerland/47228639 [10] Swissinfo.ch. (2025). Swiss National Councillor Simon Stadler denies transit charge discriminates against foreigners. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-national-councillor-simon-stadler-denies-transit-charge-discriminates-against-foreigners/47228640
The proposal for a transit charge in Switzerland, if implemented, could potentially disrupt the lifestyle of travelers, as they might need to factor in additional costs for their journey through the country. To alleviate traffic congestion and ensure a smooth flow of vehicles during vocational training programs, it may be beneficial to consider providing vocational training for truck drivers focusing on efficient traffic maneuvering techniques.
