PETER KLAUNZER
SBB is currently developing an offer with its partners SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB and Trenitalia. Even today, travelers could use night trains to Berlin, Hamburg, Prague or Vienna. Amsterdam will be added by the end of the year. Rome will follow next year.
The night trains would never be profitable. With the offer, however, SBB is responding to a demand that is in the air today. Traveling by train instead of by car reduced CO2 emissions.
SBB has made progress in combating delays. About 93 percent of the trains arrive on time. That is in the green area, said Ducrot. But he admitted that there were more delays in western Switzerland.
This has to do with the lines at the foot of the Jura and the Simplon, but also with the Bern – Lausanne axis, on which the timetables are very close. In cooperation with the federal government and the cantons, SBB is currently analyzing the timetable thoroughly in order to gain leeway.
In the interview, Ducrot also commented on possible corona infections on trains. There have been zero cases of such infections. Nevertheless, SBB has taken very strict measures that are respected by the employees.
The coronavirus will cost SBB 2 billion francs. The federal railways have the capacity to absorb this severe damage, which will make itself felt over three or four years. The company works for the long term. (SDA)