Switzerland Grants Concession for 3.6 km Automated M3 Metro in Lausanne

Switzerland's Federal Council has granted the infrastructure concession required for construction and operation of the M3 automated metro line in Lausanne, approving the project on 6 July 2026.

The approval allows Lausanne to proceed with a 3.6 km automated metro line connecting the city centre with new development areas in the north of the city and the Tuilière stadium. The concession marks formal federal authorization for both construction and operational phases of the line, which will expand Lausanne's existing metro network with automated technology.

The M3 line will operate as a fully automated metro system, consistent with the existing M2 line technology. The route is designed to serve emerging urban zones in northern Lausanne, providing a direct link between the city centre and the stadium district. The line length is stated as 3.6 km in planning documents, though earlier references cited a 4 km alignment.

Lausanne currently operates the M2 automated metro line, which provides the technical and operational foundation for the M3 extension. The Federal Council concession is the final regulatory prerequisite before construction contracts can be tendered and ground broken. The approval does not specify construction timelines, contract values, or rolling stock procurement details.