Abstract
On 1st January 2001 the collection system for the LSVA, the kilometer charging system for heavy vehicles in Switzerland, has punctually and successfully started operation. The new charging system was introduced without any technical or operational problem worth noting. The LSVA has been introduced with clear objectives. The main goal of LSVA is to internalize the external costs of freight transport. By this "true costs" approach, rail transport shall be made more competitive. By pricing the road, a modal shift towards the rail shall be achieved, while at the same time the revenue shall help financing the large Swiss railway projects and thereby help in improving the transport service offer by the rail.