Tram Train Lugano Step Forward | Frontaliere Ticino
Tram Train Lugano Step Forward — free tools and expert guides for cross-border workers (frontalieri) between Switzerland and Italy. Compare salaries, tax, LAMal health insurance, pensions, and cost of living in Ticino. Updated 2026.
Context
On April 2, 2026, the Federal Administrative Court of St. Gallen rejected the last five appeals against the authorization of the Federal Office of Transport for the Lugano Tram-Train Network project. The project includes a new 12+ kilometer long tram-train line between Malcantone, the Vedeggio valley, and the city center of Lugano. The new line also features a 2.2-kilometer tunnel, new stops, track expansions, and other infrastructure. The Federal Administrative Court emphasized the public interest in the project and confirmed that it meets the requirements of federal legislation regarding environmental protection and heritage preservation. The Court partially accepted one appeal from a landowner whose property is not affected by the construction works. For instance, the owner of a 5,000 sqm property in Melide will not be impacted by the construction of the new tram-train line, leading to the partial acceptance of their appeal. ### Concession for Exceeding Vibration Limit Values The Federal Administrative Court annulled the concessions granted by the Federal Office of Transport for exceeding vibration limit values, deeming them premature since no concrete works are planned in the sector in question. The vibration limit value is 0.5 mm/s, but no works that could exceed this value are forecasted in the area. ### Inadmissible Oppositions Two other appellants' oppositions were declared entirely inadmissible due to lack of legal standing. For example, the appeal of a 3,000 sqm property owner in Lugano was deemed inadmissible as no legitimate interest was presented. The Lugano Tram-Train Network project underwent a public consultation in 2020, engaging over 1,000 people. This consultation gathered opinions and proposals from citizens and interested organizations. For instance...
Operational details
The Federal Administrative Court rejects the last appeals against the Luganese Tram-Train Network project. The project, which provides for the construction of a new 12-kilometer-long tram-train line between Malcantone, the Vedeggio valley, and the city center of Lugano, has passed the appeals review. The new tram-train line includes a 2.2-kilometer tunnel, new stops, track expansions, and other infrastructure. The estimated cost of the project amounts to around 514 million francs. Lugano Mayor Francesco Maiori expressed satisfaction with the Federal Administrative Court's decision. "This decision is an important step towards the realization of the Luganese Tram-Train Network project, which will be a significant investment in sustainable mobility and economic development in the region," Maiori said. The construction of the new tram-train line is expected to start by 2025, and the line is expected to be operational by 2030. The project also includes the creation of new stops and the expansion of existing tracks. In particular, the new tram-train line will be over 12 kilometers long and will pass through the municipalities of Lugano, Agno, Capriasca, Gravesano, Pambio, Porza, Savosa, and Valsolda. The line will be powered at 1,500 volts and will be compatible with tram-train technology. The Luganese Tram-Train Network project was approved by the federal law of June 12, 2020, which establishes that the project must be completed by 2035. The project was financed with federal, cantonal, and municipal funds. The construction of the new tram-train line will also require the creation of new infrastructure, such as a new freight terminal in Lugano and a new tram depot in Porza. However, the construction of the new tram-train line will not be without problems. "We are aware...
Key points
The Federal Administrative Court rejects the final appeals against the Luganese tram-train network project. This important step forward for sustainable mobility in the canton of Ticino will now be realized without further delays. The project, the result of careful planning and thorough environmental and social impact assessments, provides for the creation of a tram-train network connecting the main municipalities of the Luganese, including Lugano, Agno, Melano, and Capriasca. The new infrastructure will significantly reduce travel times and improve the quality of life for citizens. According to estimates, the Luganese tram-train network will be approximately 32 km long and will have 24 stops. The maximum speed planned for trams will be 80 km/h, allowing for shorter travel times compared to the current situation. For example, citizens of Lugano will be able to reach Agno in 20 minutes, whereas the journey currently takes around 30 minutes. Similarly, residents of Melano will be able to reach Lugano in 15 minutes, instead of the current 25 minutes. The realization of the Luganese tram-train network project was made possible through the collaboration between the cantonal administration of Ticino, local communities, and involved economic operators. The total investment planned for the project amounts to approximately 1.5 billion Swiss francs, funded in part by public funds and in part by private contributions. The Federal Office of Transport approved the project in 2020, following a thorough assessment of environmental and social impacts. The expropriation procedure necessary for the realization of the tram-train network was launched in 2021 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. For further information on construction times and the expropriation procedure, cit...