UR cantonal council Uri district council rejects lift construction at Altdorf railroad station to government

The cantonal council of Uri has referred the matter of the construction of a passenger lift at Altdorf railroad station back to the government. Among other things, it called on the cantonal government to reduce the costs of the project.

The passenger lift was to cost CHF 800,000. The Cantonal Bank of Uri and the municipality of Altdorf each pledged CHF 150,000. In its report and application, the government proposed a contribution of CHF 250,000. The remaining CHF 250,000 should be organized privately, it believes - for example by organisations for the elderly and disabled.

In its report, the government noted that these organizations do not have the financial resources to support the project. It also noted that the SBB had spoken out against participating in the lift for reasons of precedent.

The government recommended that the Landrat refrain from closing the funding gap completely. This was partly in view of the canton's finances and partly because the legal requirements and standards were met during the construction of the existing spiral ramp. The self-help organization for people with disabilities, Procap, confirmed this.

The desire for a passenger lift was expressed in an open letter in 2023. According to various organisations for the elderly and disabled, access via the spiral ramp is difficult, and for some even impossible, due to its length, gradient and construction. Marco Roeleven (FDP) then submitted a motion on the subject, which was passed by Parliament in 2023.

FDP calls for lower costs

The Economics Committee proposed a commitment credit of CHF 500,000 instead of CHF 250,000. If the costs for the lift are lower, the credit can be reduced. A minority, however, requested a maximum of CHF 250,000. If the costs fall short of the cost estimate, the commitment credit should be reduced proportionately.

The FDP proposed a rejection. Walter Tresch (FDP) said that the costs for the elevator were too high and that the finances had to be handled economically. The party is calling on the government to take another look at the project costs and significantly reduce them. It also wants social organizations not to be involved in the residual financing.

Many different opinions

Opinions on the topic differed even within the parties. Some members of the SVP were in favor of a rejection, while others were in favor of a loan of CHF 250,000. Alois Arnold (SVP, 1981) argued that smaller organizations may not have the financial means to support the project, but larger umbrella organizations do.

Hans Aschwanden (FDP) said that the implementation risk should not be passed on to the organizations. The implementation risk lies with the public sector and the canton is responsible for improving the situation on the ground.

Ragunath Ananthavettivelu (SP) said that it was a question of justice. People with reduced mobility must be taken seriously. It was an investment that would benefit everyone.

Parliament narrowly voted 34 to 27 in favor of the FDP's rejection motion. The government will have to revise the business again.

SDA