Bern–Ostermundigen tram construction receives official approval

The Swiss Federal Office of Transport has granted construction approval for the new Bern–Ostermundigen tram line. The project involves a 4.4-kilometer route extending from Viktoriaplatz in Bern to Oberfeld in Ostermundigen.

The new tram service is intended to replace the current bus line, which serves over 8.5 million passengers annually. The project aims to provide higher passenger capacity, improved comfort, and more reliable schedules while reducing traffic congestion. The new infrastructure will include barrier-free stops to accommodate passengers with limited mobility.

In addition to the rail line, the project includes urban redesign measures, such as improved pedestrian crossings and an increase in bicycle lanes. The Ostermundigen station is expected to become a significant transit hub, with passenger transfers projected to increase by two-thirds by 2040.