The Switch to Usage-Based Charges Revolutionizes Road Use.

The switch to usage-based charges revolutionizes Swiss road financing, enables precise cost allocation, reduces environmental damage, and decreases traffic jams through market-based regulation.

Problem

• There is a lack of an incentive system that actively reduces traffic jams and ex…: There is a lack of an incentive system that actively reduces traffic jams and excessive traffic loads.
• Current funding is largely based on fuel tax, which decreases with increasing el…: Current funding is largely based on fuel tax, which decreases with increasing electrification.
• Highways are currently insufficiently financed according to the polluter pays pr…: Highways are currently insufficiently financed according to the polluter pays principle.
• The highway vignette is no longer up-to-date, as it is neither financially relev…: The highway vignette is no longer up-to-date, as it is neither financially relevant, fair to the polluter, nor customer-friendly.
• Current users have little transparency about the actual costs they cause and pay…: Current users have little transparency about the actual costs they cause and pay through various fees.

Solution

• Switch from fuel tax to usage-based charges that take into account real infrastr…: Switch from fuel tax to usage-based charges that take into account real infrastructure costs and environmental impacts.
• Similar to the performance-based heavy vehicle fee (LSVA), the time, vehicle, an…: Similar to the performance-based heavy vehicle fee (LSVA), the time, vehicle, and distance traveled are recorded and charged for each motorway trip.
• Modern technologies enable precise recording of the actual kilometers traveled. …: Modern technologies enable precise recording of the actual kilometers traveled. Different vehicle types – for example, regarding weight or pollutant emissions – can be included in the calculations.
• Creation of a legal framework for modern measurement and billing systems that en…: Creation of a legal framework for modern measurement and billing systems that ensures data protection and promotes acceptance.
• For the driver, the highest possible transparency regarding costs is provided, w…: For the driver, the highest possible transparency regarding costs is provided, which can be directly attributed to the respective usage.

Benefit

• Dynamic toll systems direct traffic according to supply and demand, which hinder…: Dynamic toll systems direct traffic according to supply and demand, which hinders congestion and relieves infrastructure.
• Greater cost transparency leads to more conscious use of individual transport.: Greater cost transparency leads to more conscious use of individual transport.
• External environmental costs, such as microplastics from tire wear, are internal…: External environmental costs, such as microplastics from tire wear, are internalized, leading to less environmental damage.
• A modern legal framework enables flexible adjustments to technological developme…: A modern legal framework enables flexible adjustments to technological developments and changing environmental conditions.
• Fair financing, which directly links costs to actual usage, creates transparency…: Fair financing, which directly links costs to actual usage, creates transparency and fairness.