Around 500 sidings connect industrial and commercial companies, as well as logistics centres, directly to SBB’s rail network. Almost 90% of conventional rail goods transport involves the use of these sidings. They represent an important cornerstone for transferring freight from road to rail.

The federal law on freight transport and the related ordinance on freight transport (both available in German, French and Italian) make up the legal framework for connecting business premises to the network. The federal government is responsible for up to 60% of the construction and renewal costs associated with this, subject to predetermined conditions.

The rights and responsibilities of SBB Infrastructure and the companies it works with are defined contractually. Supplementary contractual conditions have also been agreed with the railway companies.