Swiss Railways Posts Record Passenger Numbers

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has achieved a historic milestone in 2024, recording its highest-ever passenger numbers with an average of 1.39 million daily travelers on its long-distance and regional trains. This unprecedented achievement demonstrates the growing reliance on Switzerland's rail network as a primary mode of transportation and reflects the country's strong commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.

The state-owned railway company reported a modest increase in annual profit to CHF275 million, though this falls short of its medium-term target of CHF500 million needed for future expansion. While property and infrastructure units showed positive results and Cargo International returned to profitability, Cargo Switzerland faced significant challenges with a CHF76 million loss. The company's debt has risen to CHF12.1 billion, primarily due to necessary investments in rolling stock, though cost-saving measures have helped manage debt growth.

2024 saw notable improvements in service quality, particularly in terms of punctuality across French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino. Despite higher occupancy rates, passenger satisfaction increased, attributed to both improved timekeeping and enhanced season ticket offerings. However, challenges remain with international connections, where punctuality of trains from abroad continues to be problematic. The domestic cargo service faced decreased customer satisfaction due to price increases and operational challenges, including night-time construction work and the partial closure of the Gotthard tunnel.

Looking ahead, Swiss Federal Railways faces the challenge of meeting growing demand while maintaining financial sustainability. The company's target of CHF500 million in annual profits is crucial for funding future expansion of rail services. Ongoing infrastructure investments and modernization efforts continue, despite financial pressures. The focus remains on enhancing the network's capacity and reliability while managing the substantial debt load from current investments in rolling stock and infrastructure improvements.