Infrastructure

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Network access requirements

Railway companies are granted permission to use the Swiss rail network by the Federal Office of Transport. Such permissions are based on the provisions of the Railway Act (EBG) and the Ordinance relating to Network Access (NZV) of 25 November 1998.

The major provisions in brief:

	Railway companies that wish to access the network must be based in Switzerland or the European Union.
	Network access by other foreign companies is governed by the relevant international treaties.
	Railway companies must hold a franchise or licence to operate trains in accordance with the Railway Act.
	They must have a sound financial basis.
	They must have insurance cover of at least 100 million Swiss francs for each individual incident.
	Their personnel must be highly qualified to ensure safe operations.
	Their rolling stock must satisfy the legal requirements for safe rail operations.
	They must guarantee to comply with the safety provisions of the routes they use.