Services for external rail-sector customers

Services for railway companies

We also offer an extensive range of individual services related to rail operations to customers outside the BLS group Clients can benefit from our long-standing expertise in the fields of construction, maintenance, servicing and staff training.

Construction and maintenance services BLS infrastructure

Construction services

Track: maintenance and renewal, track replacement, points maintenance, vegetation control
Automation: maintenance, repair and fault rectification of safety systems, level crossings, points control systems and signalling systems
Overhead lines: maintenance, renewal and fault intervention for overhead line systems, switches and earthing systems
Forestry operations: clearance, reforestation, felling of trees for safety purposes
Path and track work: construction or repair of footpaths, hiking trails and forest roads
Drainage systems: construction or repair of water pipes and water channels

Safety issues at construction sites close to railways

Assistance with the planning of structures adjacent to railway facilities
Advice and development of safety concepts for building sites adjacent to railway tracks
Advice and implementation with the earthing of construction equipment and facilities
Safety wardens for building sites, for detonations, etc.

Contact Mon–Fri 09.00-11.00 and 14.00-16.00 hours

Loan of rail vehicles

We hire out our state-of-the-art fleet of rail vehicles, and can provide the appropriate vehicle for new-build, renovation or maintenance operations. Our modularly designed vehicles are equipped with multifunctional crane systems (safety cage), aerial work platforms and remote-control systems. Certain vehicles also include containers for accommodating workers, a large driver’s cabin with space for up to six people, or a loading area or container for transporting equipment and materials.

Our fleet management specialists would be happy to assist you in selecting the vehicle that is ideally suited to your area of application. Feel free to contact us if you would like to receive all necessary technical details.

Contact Mon–Fri 09.00-11.00 and 14.00-16.00 hours

BLS Netz AG, Construction and Maintenance, Genfergasse 11, CH-3001 Bern
+41 58 327 40 26 Mon–Fri 09.00-11.00 and 14.00-16.00 hours
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Sales of train path and network access Network Statement

The Swiss rail reform of 1 January 1999 allows both domestic and foreign rail companies to utilise the Swiss rail network. For network access, a number of conditions have to be fulfilled. BLS has a policy of providing non-discriminatory access to its network and takes responsibility for the infrastructure-related tasks and issues connected with network access.

Sales of train path access

Our train path access sales team is supporting the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) with the ongoing development of the Swiss train path pricing system and is planning traffic volumes on the BLS rail network for up to five years in advance. The train path access sales team sells train paths in respect of contractually agreed periods, services and prices.

Conditions for network access

Authorisations for companies seeking access to the Swiss rail network are issued by the Federal Office of Transport. The criteria for approval are set down in the provisions of the Swiss Railways Act (RailA) and the Swiss Rail Network Access Ordinance (RailNAO) of 25 November 1998.

The main provisions in brief:

Any railway company that wishes to have network access must be based in Switzerland or in the European Union.
Network access for other foreign companies will be based on the relevant intergovernmental agreements.
The company must possess a concession or a licence for running trains in accordance with the Swiss Railways Act (RailA).
It must have a sound financial basis.
Insurance coverage must be in place for at least CHF 100 million per incident of damage or injury.
Qualified staff are vital for ensuring safe operations.
The rolling stock must conform with the statutory requirements for safe railway operations.
The operator must guarantee compliance with the safety regulations that govern the routes operated.

Sidings

Sidings – the solution for the environmentally sound transport of goods

A substantial proportion of goods in Switzerland are transported by rail between privately owned sidings and port and container terminals. Companies with sidings make a major contribution to protecting the environment and relieving pressure on the road network.

Here you will find information on the contractual arrangements governing connecting with the rail infrastructure and on operational partnerships with BLS.

2.17 MB Sidings at BLS

Our services

Information and advice on accessing the BLS network.
The additional services necessary for train path access, such as the stabling of rail vehicles, the allocation of marshalling facilities and the procurement of electricity.
The identification of international contacts in the field of rail infrastructure.