Public transport 100 objections to the new streetcar line in Affoltern

The Affoltern streetcar construction project has triggered 100 objections: Landowners in particular do not agree with how much land they will have to sell because of the new streetcar line. Businesses are also dissatisfied with the parking situation along Wehntalerstrasse.

The Zurich public transport company (VBZ) is now examining the concerns received during the 30-day public consultation period, as announced on Tuesday. They will conduct objection negotiations in the coming months. If no agreement is reached, the Federal Office of Transport will be the first instance to decide on the outstanding objections.

The 100 objections mainly come from landowners affected by the project, as the VBZ also announced. However, tenants and two associations have also lodged objections.

The growing Affoltern district is to receive a direct connection to Zurich city center and thus a connection to the city's streetcar network with a new four-kilometer streetcar line along Wehntalerstrasse between Brunnenhof and Holzerhurd.

According to the April announcement, the new streetcar link, which is a joint project between the city and canton of Zurich, is expected to cost around CHF 450 million. The financing documents are currently being prepared in parallel with the settlement of the objections.

At cantonal level, the cantonal council will decide on the Affoltern streetcar after the cantonal government. A cantonal vote will only take place if a referendum is held. The city of Zurich's electorate, on the other hand, is expected to vote on the project in the second half of 2025.