Our General Assembly made it clear: 2050 is fast approaching. On site and virtually, numerous VAP members and guests followed the statutory part with a memorable opening speech by President Josef Dittli. A special highlight was the speech by Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga on the importance of rail freight transport for Switzerland.
General assembly, association, freight transport – after these words most people are mentally gone. Today, reading on is recommended. Because on the occasion of our general assembly, it was not only about statutory matters of the shipping industry. In her guest speech, Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga gave a noteworthy signal to the logistics industry: «For the Federal Council it is clear: we want to further strengthen the potential that rail has for freight transport.»
Memorable things about then, today and the day after tomorrow
The opening speech by VAP President Josef Dittli gave the participants valuable food for thought about everything that was, is and should be in rail freight transport. He said that rail freight had played a major role in ensuring that Switzerland survived Corona without any damage in terms of supply, because routes with little passenger traffic suddenly allowed it to operate as it should be able to in normal times. Dittli described the digital automatic coupler as the epitome of digital transformation in rail freight transport, because it stands for the kind of innovative further development that we urgently need. For example, so that all freight railways can establish cooperative and flexible network transport across the board together and without disadvantage. The President looks to Europe with concern. In his opinion, Switzerland must not miss the connection to the European railway sector and the EU innovation programmes under any circumstances.
- Download the presidential address by Josef Dittli (in german)
- Watch the video of the presidential address
Landmark decision imminent
We were very pleased that the Minister of Transport, Simonetta Sommaruga, agreed to give a guest speech at our General Assembly. In her speech, she emphasised that the Confederation wants to further strengthen the railways and pay more attention to domestic transport, which is also of great importance for the supply of Switzerland.
“We must improve and further develop the system,” said the head of DETEC. She said that the Federal Council would send a bill on this subject for consultation in the autumn. “We are facing a groundbreaking decision. That is why we should not lose sight of what is the recipe for Switzerland’s success, what has always made our country strong: That we tackle the necessary changes best together, that we take responsibility together: Railways, industry and, of course, the Confederation.” The VAP is happy to respond to her invitation to involve ourselves in the discourse, not least with its contribution to the discussion “Rail Freight Traffic 2050″ and the film “Customer-oriented, Innovative, Profitable – Rail Freight Transport of the Future”.
- Download guest speech by Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga
- Watch the video of the guest speech
Elections successfully held
Of the items on the agenda that were put to the vote in the statutory part, all were accepted. We welcome the following new members to the Board: Titus Bütler, Bernhard Hoffmann, Bernhard Kunz. We congratulate all of them on their election or re-election and look forward to a constructive cooperation in the Board.