Swiss Railways (SBB) is gearing up for its most significant overhaul of train schedules since 2000, effective December 15, 2024. This change is aimed at substantially improving punctuality and accommodating the growing number of passengers. The updates will introduce new time slots and connections, particularly throughout the West Swiss regions like Geneva and Renens.
According to SBB’s statements, the train schedule has not been adjusted to reflect the increase in travelers since the turn of the millennium. This overhaul will implement numerous changes, elevates Renens VD to a central hub with regular stops for long-distance trains. Passengers traveling from the Jura foothills to the Lake Geneva region can expect adjusted routes for InterCity trains. Notably, the area surrounding Lake Neuchâtel will see enhanced regional transport offerings.
From Neuchâtel to Fribourg, trains will operate on a half-hourly basis, thereby improving the regularity and accessibility of rail services. New connections are also set to facilitate travel between various regions, such as Wallis, Chablais, and the Riviera, enhancing access to key cities like Lausanne and Yverdon-les-Bains.
Crucially, RegioExpress trains will now stop at all stations within the heart of Geneva, allowing for increased convenience for local travelers. Areas like Broye and western Lausanne will also benefit from improved regional train services.
To compound these positive changes, SBB will invest approximately six million Swiss Francs to modernize and renew facilities throughout the Romandie region by 2030, highlighting the ambitious nature of this rail project.
Meanwhile, the East Swiss Night network is also undergoing enhancements with the addition of 30 new night trains, which were introduced with the recent schedule change. These adjustments impact significant railway intersections such as Weinfelden and Kreuzlingen. The Thurbo AG, responsible for operating these additional services, states this is the first time the new comprehensive night network will be used during the nights of December 20-22, 2024.
Christian Baumgartner, spokesperson for Thurbo AG, emphasized the benefits of these changes by stating, “From the customer’s perspective, there are additional services available starting from the schedule change.” Among these services is the introduction of new late-night trains from Weinfelden to Romanshorn-Rorschach, offering connections to long-distance trains arriving from Zurich.
The early morning service on Route S7 will also shift to operate daily, instead of only during the weekdays, which adds convenience for weekend travelers. Baumgartner indicated the importance of travelers checking schedules online or via the SBB Mobile app before embarking on their journeys to plan their travels effectively.
Reflecting on the demand for nighttime trains, Baumgartner remarked, “Yes! The night services are sought after. The more interconnected the overall offerings are, the higher the demand will be.” With this strategic expansion of night transport, those responsible for public transport anticipate significant growth in passenger demand.
Plans are also underway for infrastructure expansions within Weinfelden as part of the federal expansion step slated for 2035, indicating sustained evolution of the public transport network. Baumgartner articulated the complexity of coordinating the public transport schedule, stating, “More than 10,000 trains and significantly more buses, trams, gondolas, and boats transport over one million passengers daily throughout Switzerland, making the task of creating synchronized schedules exceedingly complex.
Changes like new services and revised material updates necessitate constant adaptations within the timetables. It is noteworthy how shared rail lines between several operators result in occasional seasonal adjustments, particularly with freight traffic. With regards to Kreuzlingen, Baumgartner reiterated the adaptations for new late trains from Schaffhausen, ensuring consistency and accessibility across regional services.
The distinct tariff systems between Switzerland and Germany present challenges for passengers utilizing cross-border services. Baumgartner specified, “From the customer’s viewpoint, these sometimes complicated tariff systems can pose problems.” He asserted, though, with the newest version of the SBB Mobile App, such challenges would soon be overcome, simplifying the ticket buying process for international trips.
The collaborative endeavors of various transport providers are key to achieving seamless public transit. Baumgartner remarked on the integral role of cooperative efforts, saying, “The perfect collaboration between trains, buses, and ships enables excellent public transport experiences.” Indeed, as the schedule shifts approach, stakeholders stress the importance of aligned operations across transportation means to create efficient travel solutions for passengers.
With the new timetable set to roll out mid-December 2024, passengers are advised to track updates closely and take advantage of improved connectivity throughout both West and East Switzerland. The outlook is promising, with SBB poised to reclaim its steadfast reputation for reliability as it adapts to modern travel demands.
Overall, these enhancements signal the Swiss Railways' commitment to providing high-quality service and prioritizing user experience within their expansive network.
