What is the federal government's position on the FFS Cargo cuts in Ticino?

The federal government, through the official response signed by the head of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications Albert Rösti and sent to the President of the Grand Council Daria Lepori, rejected the parliamentary resolution forwarded by the Canton of Ticino. Bern has formally closed the door to any corrective action, reiterating that the decisions fall within the management autonomy of the Swiss Federal Railways and that there is no margin for a strategic change or to impose a change in the route taken by the company.

Which sectors were affected by the FFS operational cuts?

The operational reductions implemented by the Swiss Federal Railways between 2025 and the current year first affected the combined transport sector and later that of isolated wagons. However, the Federal Council was pleased to note that there were no dry redundancies in Ticino, as more than half of the staff concerned were able to benefit from internal relocation options while continuing to operate in the rail freight sector.

What are the prospects for freight traffic and logistics in Ticino?

Despite concerns raised at cantonal level for the economic and logistical future of the region, the Federal Council confirmed the strategic centrality of the Canton of Ticino along the north-south transit axis. However, the current tools for promoting rail freight traffic are considered adequate and there is no provision for the introduction of new mandates or subsidies aimed at supporting unprofitable internal traffic, confirming a model in which proximity services undergo a progressive decommissioning in favour of centralised hubs.

FFS cargo cuts: Bern responds to Ticino (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 16 September 2026

Ffs freight train transiting along the railway line in Ticino

The federal government rejects the resolution of the Canton of Ticino on the cuts of FFS Cargo, confirming the management autonomy of the company and the centrality of the north-south axis.

Context

In brief

Bern does not intervene on SBB Cargo cuts
The canton's parliamentary resolution rejected
No room for strategic change
Centrality of the north-south corridor confirmed

Key facts

Questioned: Albert Rösti
Recipient: Daria Lepori
Period of cuts: 2025 and this year
Destination of the letter: President of the Grand Council

…

Operational details

The in-depth analysis of the response received from Bern highlights complex dynamics that characterize the relationship between the business choices of large public service companies and the institutional expectations of peripheral or border regions. The stance expressed by the Federal Council highlights a gap between the requests for intervention formulated by local political bodies and the constitutional and legal limits that regulate the action of the central administration regarding former federal monopolies. For economic operators and for those who live and work in the cross-border fabric, these business decisions reflect a profound transformation of the logistics and transport sector, where competitive pressure and the pursuit of economic efficiency end up prevailing over traditional functions of capillary service to the territory. The decision to abandon a binding modal shift objective for domestic freight traffic, decided by parliament during the recent total revision of the freight transport law, demonstrates that the reference legislative framework does not provide specific coercive instruments to force the movement of goods by rail outside of the major trans-Alpine routes. This legislative approach consolidates a market regime in which SBB's business choices enjoy a wide margin of maneuver, aimed at restoring financial health and optimizing operational processes, even when this entails a contraction of regional services linked to single-wagonload freight or proximity combined transport.

…

Key points

The management of the consequences arising from logistical and corporate reorganization requires constant monitoring of operational developments by economic and institutional stakeholders present in the Ticino region. Those operating in the transport, logistics, and related industrial sectors must contend with a regulatory and market context that does not provide for immediate federal corrective measures or new subsidies for domestic traffic. For those wishing to examine their employment position in greater depth or evaluate professional opportunities in an evolving market, it is essential to rely on up-to-date analysis tools and rigorous financial planning. Verifying one's economic, contribution, and tax situation represents an essential step in addressing any professional transitions or job changes linked to ongoing corporate restructurings in the Canton of Ticino. The use of calcolatore allows individuals to accurately estimate their net salary and better plan tax deadlines, taking into account the specificities of the taxation regime applicable to workers active in the region. To stay constantly updated on news relating to the cross-border labor market, contractual conditions, and current regulations, it is possible to consult the information resources available on the portal and explore the guides dedicated to essential services for workers active between Switzerland and Italy.

Source: laregione.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal government's position on the FFS Cargo cuts in Ticino?: The federal government, through the official response signed by the head of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications Albert Rösti and sent to the President of the Grand Council Daria Lepori, rejected the parliamentary resolution forwarded by the Canton of Ticino. Bern has formally closed the door to any corrective action, reiterating that the decisions fall within the management autonomy of the Swiss Federal Railways and that there is no margin for a strategic
Which sectors were affected by the FFS operational cuts?: The operational reductions implemented by the Swiss Federal Railways between 2025 and the current year first affected the combined transport sector and later that of isolated wagons. However, the Federal Council was pleased to note that there were no dry redundancies in Ticino, as more than half of the staff concerned were able to benefit from internal relocation options while continuing to operate in the rail freight sector.
What are the prospects for freight traffic and logistics in Ticino?: Despite concerns raised at cantonal level for the economic and logistical future of the region, the Federal Council confirmed the strategic centrality of the Canton of Ticino along the north-south transit axis. However, the current tools for promoting rail freight traffic are considered adequate and there is no provision for the introduction of new mandates or subsidies aimed at supporting unprofitable internal traffic, confirming a model in which proximity services undergo a progressive decommi