The Local Switzerland

Rail services to remain disrupted in Switzerland in the coming days

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 09:53:50 +0100

Snow and sub-zero temperatures over the weekend caused havoc on some train lines, mainly in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.

Where can you travel by international train from Switzerland this Christmas?

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 11:56:24 +0100

If you feel like getting away over the holidays, Swiss Federal Railways and its European partners offer many international travel options. Here's a run through of what's available.

In pictures: the Gotthard opening's best moments

Thu, 02 Jun 2016 11:32:08 +0200

After many decades of planning and 17 years of construction work the Gotthard Base Tunnel opened on Wednesday amid much pomp and ceremony.

Europe's leaders stress 'close ties' at Gotthard opening

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 19:13:17 +0200

European leaders used the global media platform of the Gotthard Base Tunnel opening ceremomy on Wednesday to stress the importance of maintaining close European relations.

World agog at bizarre Gotthard Base Tunnel opening

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 15:09:58 +0200

The first trains have travelled through the 57km Gotthard Base Tunnel following a spectacular opening ceremony that has amazed the world - in more ways than one.

Political and religious leaders gather for Gotthard opening

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 11:01:53 +0200

The Gotthard Base Tunnel is to be blessed by a priest, a reverend, a rabbi and an imam on Wednesday morning as part of an inauguration that is being treated as an opportunity for diplomacy.

Gotthard base tunnel: what you need to know

Thu, 26 May 2016 11:54:27 +0200

The longest tunnel in the world will be inaugurated in Switzerland amid great fanfare on June 1st. The Local takes you through it.

Road deaths drop to lowest level in 70 years

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 10:51:26 +0200

Swiss roads are safer than at any point since 1945, but motorcyclists are at greater risk of an accident than car drivers, according to new statistics.

Stadler expands with Texas rail-car order

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 11:49:27 +0200

Stadler, the Swiss-based train manufacturer, is expanding in the United States after securing a 100-million-franc ($107-million) order to supply rail cars for a commuter line in Fort Worth, Texas.

Swiss train derails due to avalanche

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 22:33:32 +0100

A train derailed in the Swiss Alps early on Sunday when it rammed into mounds of snow from an avalanche blocking the tracks, the BLS rail company said, adding that no one had been injured in the accident.

Rail police officer shoots himself in foot

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:52:00 +0200

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) police only started carrying guns three months ago but already an officer has hurt himself with a firearm.

Tourism drop hits Swiss rail passenger count

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 19:42:00 +0200

For the first time in years, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has recorded a drop in passengers.

Thieves make off with two trains in Switzerland

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:31:00 +0100

Two trains, including one weighing almost a tonne, have been stolen from a miniature train park in western Switzerland, the park said on Saturday.

Two injured in Swiss passenger train collision

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:23:00 +0200

A Swiss train collided into another Thursday in the country's north with two people injured and many carriages derailed, police said.

Security officers to patrol Swiss trains with guns

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:33:00 +0200

Security officers patrolling Swiss trains will carry firearms from the summer of 2012 in a bid to halt rising violence against ticket controllers, the rail service SBB said Thursday.

SBB seeks to slash Zurich-Bern travel time

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:44:00 +0200

A planned expansion of Switzerland's rail network could shorten travel time between Zurich and Bern to 45 minutes, a report said.

Breakthrough in giant Alpine tunnel

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:45:00 +0100

Excavation work on the Gotthard Base Tunnel has been completed, bringing Switzerland one step closer to the realization of the world’s longest rail link in the heart of the Alps.