New impetus for space and transport
The program marks a decisive step in the joint planning of landscape, settlement and transport across national borders. Germany, France and Switzerland are pulling together to make mobility in the tri-national area more efficient, safer and more climate-friendly. In the coming years, eleven new transport hubs will be built along the tri-national S-Bahn and Basel-Stadt is investing in a fully electrified bus fleet. Around 200 million francs have been earmarked for the upgrading of municipal streets and the promotion of pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Mobility with a future
In essence, it is about more than just infrastructure. The agglomeration program is a coordinated response to the complex mobility needs of a region that uses busy international transport routes on a daily basis. The integrated planning of public transport, private transport, footpaths and cycle paths is intended to reduce traffic congestion and CO² emissions. The priority is to develop a sustainable transport system that increases the quality of life and attractiveness of the location.
Broad political support
Esther Keller, member of the cantonal government and President of Agglo Basel, emphasizes the success of the cross-border cooperation, which has been in existence for over 15 years. Isaac Reber, Director of Construction in Basel, sees the large number of small and medium-sized projects as the backbone of progress. Jean-Marc Deichtmann from Saint-Louis and Marion Dammann from Lörrach also emphasized the strategic horizon. This ranges from multimodal platforms to citizen participation that strengthens climate protection and spatial quality.
Looking ahead to the sixth generation
Work has already begun on the 6th generation agglomeration program. Submission to the federal government is planned for 2029, with the construction phase starting in 2032. The Agglo Basel association is continuing the coordination and ensuring that space, transport and landscape in the border triangle are not considered separately, but as a coherent project for the future.