Ermewa, GATX and VTG to take Swiss Office of Transport to court
Author: Marco Raimondi
24.10.2025 | Three of the largest rail freight wagon leasing companies in Europe are taking the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT) to court over the new rules on wheels it decided to implement. The information was confirmed to RailFreight.com by a representative of the Federal Administrative Court in St.Gallen, where the case was presented by Ermewa, GATX and VTG.
Rumours about a possible legal action moved by “major players” already surfaced last week, when it was mentioned by the International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP). And major they are, as the three companies are arguably the biggest players in the rail wagon leasing sector in Europe.
Switzerland’s new rule
The main bone of contention between the three companies and the FOT is the recent decision to implement new rules and standards for rail freight wagon wheels in Switzerland. In the aftermath of the derailment in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, the FOT decided to change wheel requirements and the frequency of checks to increase safety.
The main issue raised by many industry players is the unilaterality of the decision, which Switzerland took without consulting with any company or country. UIP, for example, said that the decision contradicts “the Principle of Interoperability under the EU-Switzerland Land Transport Agreement”. Criticism on this move has not only come from companies. Industry associations, especially from Italy and Germany, have highlighted how disruptive this initiative may be.
Switzerland is vital for rail freight transit along the Rhine-Alpine corridor, but this could lead to a great number of wagons to be sidelined with catastrophic consequences. Initially the Helvetic Federation said that these rules had to be implemented by the beginning of 2026, but has since moved it to the end of that year. Despite this, much of the rail freight sector remains widely against the decision.