Basel region calls for rapid implementation of cross-city rail link
The Basel region is focusing its rail expansion efforts on the cross-city line between the SBB railway station and Badischer Bahnhof. This connection is necessary for the S-Bahn in the border triangle. To this end, the cantons of Basel and the Chamber of Commerce are prepared to forego other expansion projects.
The underground rail link between the SBB railway station and Badischer Bahnhof in Basel is essential for the expansion of the S-Bahn in the border triangle. This is stated in a declaration by the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft and the Basel Chamber of Commerce (HKBB). They are calling for the rapid implementation of this so-called cross-city line, which will make the current turning movements of trains in both stations superfluous. In return, they see potential for reductions in further rail expansion in Basel.
The two cantons and the Chamber of Commerce refer specifically to Ulrich Weidmann, who described the new connection as undisputed and absolutely necessary for the S-Bahn system. The professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich had prepared the Transport 2045 report. On the basis of this report, the Federal Council decided in October to deprioritise the Basel SBB underground station and the cross-city line.
“The cross-city link represents a quantum leap in suburban rail services for the region,” said Esther Keller, member of the cantonal government, in the press release. “In our view, it can be realised within the next 20 to 30 years,” said the head of Basel’s Department of Construction and Transport.
Martin Dätwyler points out the importance of eliminating bottlenecks on the roads. “With the rapid implementation of the diameter line, we will be able to make both modes of transport – road and rail – fit for the future,” the HKBB director is quoted as saying. “This will not only strengthen the Basel economic region, but also the Swiss economy as a whole, and is essential for the country’s supply.”
Government Councillor Isaac Reber also emphasises the importance for the whole country. “The region is the gateway to Switzerland,” says the head of the Basel-Landschaft Department of Construction and Environmental Protection. “Without the construction of the cross-city link, the region will become a bottleneck. We cannot afford that – and neither can Switzerland.”