# Federal Office of Transport > Swiss federal office **Wikidata**: [Q1005512](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1005512) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Office_of_Transport) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/federal-office-of-transport ## Summary The Federal Office of Transport (BAV/OFT) is a Swiss federal government agency responsible for transportation policy, regulation, and infrastructure, operating under the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications with headquarters in Ittigen. ## Key Facts - It is a government agency classified as an organizational part of the Swiss government responsible for transportation services - Country: Switzerland - Short names include BAV, OFT, UFT, and FOT - Official name: Bundesamt für Verkehr (German), Office fédéral des transports (French), Ufficio federale dei trasporti (Italian), Uffizi federal da traffic (Romansh), and Federal Office of Transport (English) - Parent organization: Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications - Headquarters location: Ittigen - Coordinates: 46.97612, 7.47301006 - Catalog code: P0A4 (Organisation Code Register) - Swiss enterprise identification number: CHE-264.708.255 - Website available in multiple languages (German, French, Italian, English) - Open data portal: Open data platform mobility Switzerland - Wikidata description: Swiss federal office - Google knowledge graph ID: /g/120vzn48 - Viaf ID: 127246883 - GND ID: 6016900-X - IDREF ID: 178555797 - Wikipedia title: Federal Office of Transport - Commons category: Federal Office of Transport - Sitelink count: 4 - Director/manager history includes Christa Hostettler (current), Peter Füglistaler (2010-2024), Max Friedli (1994-2010), Fritz Bürki (1981-1994), Peter Trachsel (1970-1981), Adolf Martin (1962-1970), Robert Kunz (1951-1961), Raphaël Cottier (1940-1949), Paul Kradolfer (1936-1940), Hans Hunziker (1926-1935) ## FAQs - What is the parent organization of the Federal Office of Transport? The Federal Office of Transport is part of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications. - What are the official names of the Federal Office of Transport in different languages? The office has multiple official names including Bundesamt für Verkehr (German), Office fédéral des transports (French), Ufficio federale dei trasporti (Italian), and Federal Office of Transport (English). - Where is the headquarters of the Federal Office of Transport located? The headquarters is in Ittigen, Switzerland, with coordinates 46.97612, 7.47301006. - Who has served as director or manager of the Federal Office of Transport? Past directors include Hans Hunziker (1935-1926), Paul Kradolfer (1936-1940), Raphaël Cottier (1940-1949), Robert Kunz (1951-1961), Adolf Martin (1962-1970), Peter Trachsel (1970-1981), Fritz Bürki (1981-1994), Max Friedli (1994-2010), Peter Füglistaler (2010-2024), and current director Christa Hostettler (since 2024). - What is the open data portal for the Federal Office of Transport? The open data portal is the Open data platform mobility Switzerland. ## Why It Matters The Federal Office of Transport plays a crucial role in Switzerland's transportation infrastructure and policy. As a federal authority, it oversees transportation systems across the country, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability in all modes of transport. The office is responsible for regulating transportation services, managing infrastructure, and implementing policies that affect millions of Swiss citizens and businesses. Its work impacts everything from daily commuting to international trade and tourism, making it essential for maintaining Switzerland's position as a transportation hub in Europe. ## Notable For - It is the primary federal authority responsible for transportation policy and regulation in Switzerland - The office has maintained consistent oversight of transportation since its establishment in 1935 (under different organizational names) - It has evolved from "Eidgenössisches Amt für Verkehr" to its current structure while maintaining continuity in transportation oversight - It provides comprehensive open data on mobility through the Open data platform mobility Switzerland - It has had multiple directors over its history, each contributing to the development of transportation policy and infrastructure ## Body ### History The Federal Office of Transport has its roots in the "Eidgenössisches Amt für Verkehr" which was established in 1935. The office has undergone several name changes and organizational restructuring while maintaining its core function of transportation oversight. The current name "Bundesamt für Verkehr" has been in use since 1979, though the office has operated under various forms since its inception. ### Leadership and Management The office has been led by a series of directors who have shaped transportation policy in Switzerland: - **Hans Hunziker** (1926-1935): First director of the office - **Paul Kradolfer** (1936-1940): Led the office during World War II - **Raphaël Cottier** (1949-1940): Served during the post-war reconstruction period - **Robert Kunz** (1951-1961): Managed transportation during the economic boom - **Adolf Martin** (1962-1970): Oversaw the expansion of transportation infrastructure - **Peter Trachsel** (1970-1981): Led the office through the oil crisis and transportation reforms - **Fritz Bürki** (1981-1994): Managed the transition to modern transportation systems - **Max Friedli** (1994-2010): Directed the office during the digital transformation of transportation - **Peter Füglistaler** (2010-2024): Led the office through the development of sustainable transportation policies - **Christa Hostettler** (2024-present): Current director overseeing contemporary transportation challenges ### Operations and Services The Federal Office of Transport operates through several departments focusing on different aspects of transportation: - **Road transport**: Regulation of road traffic, infrastructure planning, and safety standards - **Rail transport**: Oversight of railway systems, including the Swiss Federal Railways - **Air transport**: Regulation of airports and aviation services - **Water transport**: Management of waterways and shipping - **Transport policy**: Development of national transportation strategies and international cooperation ### Digital Presence and Open Data The office maintains an extensive digital presence with websites in multiple languages: - German: https://www.bav.admin.ch/bav/de/home.html - French: https://www.bav.admin.ch/bav/fr/home.html - Italian: https://www.bav.admin.ch/bav/it/home.html - English: https://www.bav.admin.ch/bav/en/home.html It provides comprehensive open data through the "Open data platform mobility Switzerland," which includes transportation statistics, infrastructure information, and policy documents. The platform serves researchers, businesses, and the public with transparent access to transportation-related data. ### International Context The Federal Office of Transport collaborates with international organizations and foreign counterparts: - European Union: Participates in EU transportation initiatives and standards - International organizations: Engages with global transportation bodies - Foreign governments: Maintains relationships with transportation authorities worldwide ### Legal and Regulatory Framework The office operates under Swiss federal law and regulations, including: - Transportation safety standards - Infrastructure development guidelines - Environmental impact assessments for transportation projects - Licensing and certification for transportation services ### Organizational Structure The office has a hierarchical structure with: - Executive management (director and deputy director) - Departmental divisions by transportation mode - Regional offices and field teams - Support services including legal, financial, and administrative departments ### Impact and Influence The Federal Office of Transport significantly influences transportation in Switzerland through: - Setting national transportation standards - Funding and overseeing infrastructure projects - Developing and implementing transportation policies - Ensuring safety and efficiency in all transportation modes - Promoting sustainable transportation solutions The office's work has contributed to Switzerland's reputation as a leader in transportation infrastructure and policy, supporting the country's economic development and quality of life. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. [Source](https://www.nzz.ch/die_aera_max_friedli_im_bundesamt_fuer_verkehr-ld.1189455)