Swiss Federal Council Approves Infrastructure Concession for Lausanne's Future m3 Metro

The Swiss Federal Council has granted its approval for the infrastructure concession of Lausanne's future m3 metro line, aligning with the Federal Railway Law. This decision covers both the construction and operation of the new line, which is designed to be automated, fully underground, and feature double tracks.

The m3 line will span roughly 3.5 kilometers and connect six stations, extending from the city's main station to the northwest. This development is a key component of the Vaud canton's broader strategy for enhancing urban public transport, as outlined in the Lausanne-Morges Agglomeration Project (PALM).

The Confederation is set to contribute 144 million Swiss francs towards the m3 line's financing, excluding inflation and value-added tax, as part of a program supporting agglomeration traffic. The majority of the remaining construction costs, estimated at approximately 1.3 billion Swiss francs, will be borne by the canton of Vaud.

Authorities anticipate the building permit application in autumn 2026. Construction is expected to commence around 2028 or 2029, with the new metro line projected to begin service between 2034 and 2036. The m3 line is designed to accommodate an additional 40 million passengers annually, significantly boosting public transport capacity in the region.