National infrastructure manager of Switzerland
SBBI
- Schweizerisches Bundesbahnen, Infrastruktur
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
- 3155km standard gauge, all electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz
SBB Infrastruktur is the national infrastructure manager of
Switzerland. It maintains and
operates the core network. Many private railways maintain and operate
their own infrastructure,
both standard and narrow gauge. SBB Infrastruktur owns and operates
many locomotives,
shunters and work trains.
Website: https://www.sbb.ch/
Stock Tables:
Railway Operators in Switzerland
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SBB - Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (German)
CFF - Chemins de Fer Fédéraux Suisses (French)
FFS - Ferrovie Federali Svizzere (Italian)
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
- standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz (SBBI)
In January 2005 the narrow gauge SBB Brünigbahn merged with private
operator LSE to become the Zentralbahn, a new private railway. In
September 2011 SBB Cargo International was created, with head
quarters in Olten. This subsidiary hires locomotives from SBB Cargo,
for international freight trains.
In 2019 SBB produced 19.7 billion passenger-km with 1.3 million
passengers a day, 5.8% more than in 2018.
SBB Cargo produced 16.4 billion tonne-km, 3.5% less than in 2018. In
2020 35% of SBB Cargo was sold to Swiss Combi AG (Planzer, Camion
Transport, Galliker and Bertschi).
In Covin-19 year 2020 passenger numbers dropped from 1.3 million to
843,000 per day, SBB producing 11.7 billion passenger-km (down 40% from
19.7 billion). SBB Cargo produced 16.0 billion tonne-km, down from 16.4
billion.
Website: http://www.sbb.ch/
Stock Tables:
AB -
Appenzeller
Bahnen
Network length, gauge and electrification (2007):
- 70km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1500V= (AB+TB)
- 5.7km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz (RHB)
- 2.0km narrow gauge(1200mm), electrified at 600V= (RhW)
- 17.4km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1200V= (FW)
After years of common management, the Appenzellbahn(AB) and
St.Gallen-Gais-Appenzell(SGA) merged in 1988 to form the
Appenzellerbahnen.
The former SGA is partly rack, and some of the latest EMUs are intended
for operation throughout the system. Since the bankrupcy of MThB, AB
also manages the FW railway. In 2019 AB transported 5.21 million
passengers, 5.6% more than in 2018 (when St. Gallen-Teufen was
temporarily closed).
In 2006 four regional railways - including the old Appenzeller Bahnen -
merged into the "new" Appenzeller Bahnen.
The
Rorschach-Heiden-Bergbahn operates a short
rack-and-adhesion line running into the hills above Rorschach, with
through running over the SBB line to Rorschach Hafen.
The
Bergbahn Rheineck-Walzenhausen was rebuilt from a
tramway and a connecting funicular to a rack-and-adhesion railway in
1958. They just have 1 item of motive power.
The
Trogenerbahn (10km, 1000V=) is a light
railway/interurban tram
line that provides a link between St. Gallen(SBB and AB station) to
Trogen.
Since 2006 Appenzellerbahnen is a member of RAILplus AG, a company set
up by a number of private railways to coordinate marketing,
maintenance, etc. In 2008 passenger traffic amounted 6.3 million
passengers (6.1 million in 2007) and 55 million passenger-km.
In 2018 AB saw major changes. A new tunnel allows the rack section near
St. Gallen to be abandoned. The Trogenerbahn is now connected to the
SGA line, allowing through adhesion-only tram-trains Trogen-St.
Gallen-Gais-Appenzell. The overhead voltage on TB was increased from
1000V= to 1500V= apart from the city section in St. Gallen (600V=).
Also for the Gossau-Appenzell-Wasserauen line
new trainsets were delivered by Stadler. Two older rack-fitted
trainsets are still used on Gais-Altstätten Stadt. This line is
intended to close in 2035 and to be replaced by busses.
In January 2021 AB merged with the
Frauenfeld-Wil
bahn. This line is not connected to the other AB lines. The FW brand
will still be used in the future.
FW operates trains between Frauenfeld (SBB/CFF/FFS station)
and Wil (SBB/CFF/FFS and Thurbo station). The FW ends on the station
square in Frauenfeld. It transports around 1.32 million passengers per
year.
In 2022 passenger numbers grew by 17% to 6.15 million passengers. This is still 5% less than in 2019, pre-Covid.
Website: http://www.appenzellerbahnen.ch/
Stock Tables:
ASm -
Aare-Seeland Mobil
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 59km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1200V=
ASm is the new name for the former cooperation of 3 railways, called
OSST (Oberaargau-Solothurn-Seeland Transport). The company consists of
the former Biel-Täuffelen-Ins-Bahn(BTI), Solothurn-Niederbipp-Bahn(SNB)
and Regionalverkehr Oberaargau(RVO), completed by bus operator OAK. The
company operates two separate railways: Biel-Ins and
Solothurn-Niederbipp-Langenthal-St. Urban - Melchnau (in 2015 St. Urban
Ziegelei-Melchnau was broken up). One standard gauge shunter was
aquired for service in Niederbipp.
Work to extend the Solothurn-Niederbipp line from
Niederbipp to Oensingen was completed in 2012 and opened on 9 december
that year.
In 2004 ASm transported 4.4 million passengers, 1% more than in 2003.
Since 2006 this company is a member of RAILplus AG, a company set up by
a number of private railways to coordinate marketing, maintenance, etc.
Website: http://www.aare-seeland-mobil.ch/
Stock Tables:
AVA - Aargau
Verkehr AG
Network length, gauge and electrification (2018):
- 2.1km standard gauge, not electrified (BDWM)
- 19km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1200V= (BDWM)
- 32km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 750V= (WSB)
In 2018 the former Wynental- und Suhrentalbahn (operated under the
AAR bus + bahn brand) and the BDWM merged into Aargau Verkehr.
WSB operates trains on two connected lines starting from the AVA
station in
Aarau, alongside the SBB/CFF/FFS station: from Aarau to Schöftland and
from Aarau to Menziken-Burg. A few years ago the WSB line was relaid on
the former SBB grade from Reinach Unterdorf to Menziken-Burg, replacing
street running on this section. In November 2010 the section
Suhr-Aarau was moved to the former SBB standard gauge line
connecting these cities, replacing much more street running.
The standard gauge network of BDWM is a short branch line of
WM, from Wohlen to Meisterschwanden. Passenger service from Wohlen to
Meisterschwanden has been cancelled since May 1997. Passengers are
moved by bus. In 1999 Villmergen-Meisterschwanden was lifted, such that
of the WM only the (unelectrified) part Wohlen-Villmergen is left for
freight. The remaining freight trains are operated by SBB Cargo.
The narrow gauge part of this company consist of a light railway with
mostly roadside running between Dietikon and Wohlen. The part
Bremgarten-Wohlen used to be mixed gauge until 2015, to allow standard
gauge freight trains to reach Bremgarten. BDWM leases this railway from
SBB since 1912.
Currently BDWM runs two passenger trains per hour on
Wohlen-Bremgarten-Dietikon, with two additional trains Bremgarten
West-Bremgarten-Dietikon during the day on weekdays.
Since 2022 AVA also operates the new Limmattalbahn in Zùrich with
8 new Tramlink trams from Stadler, the same as the new trains for the
Waldenburgbahn (BLT).
Website: http://www.aargauverkehr.ch/
Stock Tables:
BLS - BLS AG
(former BLS Lötschbergbahn and Regionalverkehr Mittelland)
Network length, gauge and electrification (2008):
- 436km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz
In 1997 the "old" BLS, the Bern-Neuenburg-Bahn(BN), the
Gürbetal-Bern-Schwarzenburg-Bahn (GBS) and the Simmentalbahn (SEZ)
merged to form the "new" BLS Lötschbergbahn. The BLS has the largest
standard gauge network of the Swiss Private Railways. The Lötschberg
Pass forms part of the Berne to Milan main line, which has extensive
joint operation with the SBB/CFF/FFS. The company also operates
frequent commuter trains from and to Berne.
In June 2001 BLS Cargo AG was founded, a daughter company of BLS
especially focused on freight traffic. In 2017 45% of BLS Cargo was
sold to SNCF Logistics (France).
Since 2004 SBB operates all long-distance services over the BLS main
line, while BLS has taken over all Bern S-Bahn services and
local/RegionalExpress trains on Bern-Neuchatel, Bern-Langnau-Luzern,
Spiez-Zwiesimmen and Spiez-Kandersteg-Brig.
Regionalverkehr Mittelland was formed in 1997 out of the
EBT(Emmenthal-Burgdorf-Thun-Bahn), SMB(Solothurn-Münster-Bahn) and
VHB(Vereinigte Huttwil-Bahnen). The new company operated an extensive
standard gauge network east of Bern. Although one branch has closed,
much of the fleet was modernised during recent years.
In 2006 the "old" BLS merged with Regionalverkehr Mittelland (RM)
to form BLS AG. This new BLS (note: this is not an abbreviation
anymore) operates trains from the railway centers Bern, Thun and
Burgdorf to the stations Luzern, Huttwil, Langenthal, Solothurn,
Moutier, Biel/Bienne, Neuchâtel, Payerne, Fribourg, Zweisimmen, Brig
and Interlaken. Also BLS AG operates the entire S-Bahn network of Bern.
From December 2025 BLS will operate the new hourly IR56 service
Basel-Delémont-Biel, with 7 extra "MIKA" trainsets class RABe 528.1.
In 2019 passenger traffic grew by 2.5% to 67.7 million passengers
(including busses and ships). The number of freight trains operated was
much more than in 2018, as Crossrail Benelux is now included: 22,265 in
2019 versus 17,051 in 2018.
Crossrail - a Belgian private freight railway operating in Belgium
and Germany - was bought by BLS Cargo in 2019.
Websites: http://www.bls.ch/
and http://www.blscargo.ch/
Stock Tables:
BLT -
Baselland
Transport
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
- 65km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 600V=
- 13km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1500V=
(Waldenburgerbahn)
BLT company operates light trains
on Rodersdorf-Basel-Aesch/Dornach (lines 10, 11 and 17), partly running
over city tram tracks. It also owns
the line to Pratteln (line 14, operated by BVB). The company was
founded in 1974 by a merger of BTB(Birsigtalbahn), BEB(Birseckbahn),
BÜB(Basler Uberland Bahn) and TBA(Trambahn Basel-Aesch).
In 2019 55.1 million passengers travelled with BLT. Traffic by tram
grew by 0.6%.
Since 2015 BLT runs the management of the Waldenburgerbahn, operating
as BLT line 19. Between April 2021 and December 2022 the
Waldenburgerbahn has been completely modernised and regauged from 750mm
to 1000mm gauge, the same as the other BLT tracks. New trams/trains
were ordered and the 750mm gauge motor cars and trailers were
withdrawn.
Website: http://www.blt.ch/
Stock Tables:
BRB -
Brienz-Rothorn-Bahn
Network length, gauge and electrification (2006):
- 7.6km narrow gauge(800mm), not electrified
This company operates on one of the few non-electrified lines in
Switzerland. The line is pure rack, and most of the trains are operated
with steam. In 1992 two brand new locomotives were delivered from SLM!
In 2022 passenger numbers grew by 40% to 204,729 passengers. This is even more than pre-Covid in 2019.
Website:
http://www.brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch/
Stock Tables:
CJ - Chemins
de
fer du Jura
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 10.9km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz
- 74km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1500V=
The standard gauge part of the railway network of this company is a
short branch line linking Porrentruy and Bonfol.
The narrow gauge lines of this company run from La Chaux de Fonts to
Glovelier and from Tavannes to Le Noirmont, over there connecting to
the first line. Plans exist to extend the network from Govelier to
Delémont, which is now standard gauge only and operated by SBB/CFF/FFS.
In 2008 1.6 million passengers travelled with CJ, producing 25 million
passenger-km. Also almost 55,000 tonnes of freight were transported (2
million tonne-km).
Website: http://www.les-cj.ch/
Stock Tables:
Db -
Dolderbahn
Network length, gauge and electrification (2007):
- 1.3km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 600V=
This pure rack railway was converted from a funicular in 1973. It
connects with the Zürich trams at the lower terminus called Römerhof.
Website: http://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/vbz/
Stock Tables:
EDG
-
Eisenbahndienstleister GmbH
Network length, gauge and electrification (2018):
Eisenbahndienstleister started in 2007. In 2013 a rolling stock
department
was created and in 2017 the company was allowed to operate its own
trains
on the Swiss railway network. In the beginning hired locomotives and
shunters were used, mainly for hire and for work trains. In 2017 two
second-hand mainline locomotives were bought that went into service in
2018.
In 2023 Eisenbahndienstleister was taken over by LTE Group from Austria and will be renamend into LTE Suisse.
Website: https://eisenbahndienstleister.ch/
Stock Tables:
FART -
Ferrovie
Autolinee Regionali Ticinesi
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 20km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1350V=
This company operates trains on Locarno-Domodossola(Italy) in
cooperation with the SSIF from Italy. Their trains have a common
numbering system and through services are operated by rolling stock of
both companies. The line is better known under its German name
Centovalli-Bahn.
Since 2006 this company is a member of RAILplus AG, a company set up by
a number of private railways to coordinate marketing, maintenance, etc.
Website: http://www.centovalli.ch/
Stock Tables:
FB -
Forchbahn
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 17km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1200V=
This line is connected to the Zürich tram system, but is operated
separately. Trains run from Esslingen to Rehalp, and continue over the
tram tracks to Stadelhofen (close to the SBB/CFF/FFS station).
In 2008 4.8 million passengers travelled with FB over 31.3 million
passenger-km
Website: http://www.forchbahn.ch/
Stock Tables:
FLP -
Ferrovie
Luganesi SA
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 12km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1000V=
This line, running from Lugano to Ponte Tresa, is the only survivor of
several light railways around Lugano in southeast Switzerland. The
abbreviation FLP stands for the old name of the company, Ferrovie
Lugano-Ponte Tresa. In 2008 1.7 million passengers travelled with FLP.
Website: http://www.flpsa.ch/
Stock Tables:
GGB -
Gornergratbahn
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 9.3km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 725V 50Hz 3-phase
The Gornergratbahn is a pure rack railway electrified with a 3-phase
system (2 overhead wires). It runs from Zermatt up into the mountains,
and has a common management with the MGB (former BVZ). In 2005 BVZ
Holding AG took over control of this company.
In 2023 passenger numbers grew by 26.6% to 841,400 passengers.
Website: http://www.gornergrat.ch/
Stock Tables:
JB -
Jungfraubahn Holding
The JB holding consists of the following railways:
- BLM - Bergbahn Lauterbrunnen-Mürren
- WAB - Wengernalpbahn
- JB - Jungfraubahn
- BOB - Berner Oberland-Bahnen
- SPB - Schynige Platte Bahn
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 4.2km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 750V= (BLM, until 2024 525V=)
- 19km narrow gauge(800mm), electrified at 1500V= (WAB)
- 9.3km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1125V 50Hz 3-phase
(JB)
- 24km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1500V= (BOB)
- 7.3km narrow gauge(800mm), electrified at 1500V= (SPB)
The most famous line operated by de Jungfraubahn Holding is the JB
going to the station Jungfraujoch, the
highest railway station in Europe. The group has both 800mm and 1000mm
gauge railways. BLM is adhesion-only, BOB has both adhesion and rack
sections, WAB, JB and SPB are rack only railways. The BLM line is
connected to Lauterbrunnen (WAB and BOB) by a cable car that replaced a
funicular at the same site a few years ago.
In 2016 916 500 passengers travelled up to Jungfraujoch with JB.
In 2024 the BLM line was upgraded and adapted to 750V= catenary
voltage. All old motor cars were withdrawn and replaced with new
trainsets from Stadler.
Website: https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/corporate/jungfrau-railways/jungfraubahn-holding-ag/
Stock Tables:
LEB - Chemin
de
fer Lausanne-Echallens-Bercher
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 23km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1500V=
This light railway runs from Bercher to Lausanne Flon, where it
connects to the metro where the former LG/LO rack lines used to be, as
well as the TL (to Renens). 445m of railway between Chauderon (the
former terminal) and Flon were opened in May 2000.
In 2002 LEB transported 2.13 million passengers (1.7 million in 1995).
LEB is to merge with TL. As a first step the management of LEB was
taken over by TL in December 2013.
Website: http://www.leb.ch/
Stock Tables:
MBC -
Transports
de la région
Morges Bière Cossonay SA (former BAM)
Network length, gauge and electrification (1997):
- 32km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz
This company is one of the few narrow gauge railways electrified at
high voltage AC. They operate trains on
Morges-Apples-Bière/l'Isle-Mont-la-Ville. In 1997 a new 2km
branch line to an army base was opened. Tanks on standard gauge cars
are the most important freight traffic on the line.
In 2003 the name of the company was officially changed into MBC
(Transports de la région Morges-Bière-Cossonay), the railway operations
used to be known as BAM until then. In 2008 some 620,000 passengers
travelled with BAM, and 42,000 tonnes of freight were transported.
Website: http://www.mbc.ch/
Stock Tables:
MG - Ferrovia
Monte Generoso SA
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 9km narrow gauge(800mm), electrified at 800V=
This is the only rack mountain line south of the Gotthard pass. It was
electrified as late as 1982, DMUs were scrapped or sold but the diesel
locomotives were kept. The trains run from Capolago Lago to Capolago
SBB station (only once a day in the summer months), and then continue
to the end station Generoso Vetta.
Website: https://www.montegeneroso.ch/
Stock Tables:
MGB -
Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn
Network length, gauge and electrification (2003):
- 144km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 11kV 16.7Hz
The MGB is the result of a merger of the BVZ (Zermatt Bahn
Brig-Visp-Zermatt) and FO (Furka-Oberalb-Bahn) on 1 January 2003.
The FO line forms the only east-west link in southern Switzerland.
Until 1982 through trains over the Furka Pass could only run during the
summer. Now there is a long tunnel, and the old tracks are operated by
the 'Dampfbahn Furka Bergstrecke (DFB)' with amongst others steam
locomotives
once sold to Vietnam.
The line runs from Disentis/Mustèr to Brig, with a branch line from
Andermatt to the SBB/CFF/FFS station in Göschenen. Several stretches of
rack remain on this very scenic line. In 1999 a 2.2km branch line (with
rack) was opened from Sedrun to Las Rueras, to remove spoil from the
new Gotthard base tunnel. In the mean time this has been removed again
after opening of the tunnel.
The BVZ line provides the transport link to Zermatt to which public
road traffic is not permitted. Hence, in addition to the main service
from Brig, there is a frequent shuttle service Täsch(car
parking)-Zermatt.
The MGB has a common management with GGB that runs rack trains from
Zermatt up into the mountains. BVZ Holding AG owns 75% of the company.
Since 2006 this company is a member of RAILplus AG, a company set up by
a number of private railways to coordinate marketing, maintenance, etc.
In 2023 8.68 million passengers travelled with MGB, 2.4% more than in
2022. Passenger numbers of the Glacier Express grew by 31.6% to 281,340.
Website: http://www.mgbahn.ch/
Stock Tables:
MOB -
Chemins de
fer Montreux-Oberland Bernois
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 75km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 850V= (MOB)
The MOB runs from Montreux to Zweisimmen(BLS) and on a branch line from
Zweisimmen to Lenk. New stock is being designed and tested with
wheelsets for both meter and standard gauge, allowing through narrow
gauge trains from
Montreux to Luzern. The MOB has a common management with MVR.
In 2008 the amount of freight transported was 26,463 tonnes.
Website: https://mob.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 10km narrow gauge(800mm), electrified at 850V= (former MGN)
- 10km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 900V= (former CEV)
MVR is a product of the merger in 2001 of the private railways MGN and
CEV and funiculars LAS and VCP. Also the funicular TG (that already
merged with with MGN to MTGN in 1992) is part of the group.
The group of railway companies operates trains on the narrow gauge
lines around Montreux. The CEV runs from Vevey(SBB) to Blonay (adhesion
only) and from Blonay to Les Pléiades (rack railway). The MGN was
previously split in MGl(Montreux-Glion) and GN(Glion-Naye). They
now have through operation from Montreux(SBB/CFF/FFS station) to
Rochers-de-Naye.
Website: https://mob.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 27km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1500V=
Until 1958 this line continued to France, now the trains run up to the
French border. The present line runs from Nyon(SBB station) to La Cure.
In 2004 the old terminus in Nyon was replaced by an underground
station.
Website: https://www.nstcm.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 4km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz
This company operates a short branch line conneting Balsthal with the
SBB station at Oensingen. Most of their rolling stock is second-hand.
In 2022 about 600,000 passengers travelled with OeBB, 12.3% more than
in 2021, and has reached pre-Covid levels again. Freight traffic grew
by 10.7% in 2022.
Website: http://www.oebb.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2007):
- 4.6km narrow gauge(800mm), electrified at 1550V=
This line is the world's steepest rack railway. It uses the 'Locher'
rack system. The trains run from Alpnachstadt(SBB Brünig line) to
Pilatus Kulm. In 2009 299,570 passengers (+2.7%) travelled with the
Pilatusbahn.
Website: http://www.pilatus.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 16km standard gauge, electrified at 1500V=
This company, formed in 1992 out of the ARB and VRB, operates two rack
lines, one connecting Arth Goldau SBB station and one connecting
Vitznau on Lake Lucerne to the Rigi mountain. In 2022 808 000
passengers travelled on RB, some 30% more than in 2021.
Website: http://www.rigi.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 56km narrow gauge(1000mm), 10km electrified at 600V= and 46km at
1250V=
This company operates on suburban lines around Bern: Bern SBB
station-Solothurn, Bern SBB station-Worblaufen-Worb (both 1250V=) and
Worb-Bern Zytglogge. The extension over the city tram tracks from
Helvetiaplatz to Zytglogge caused a 12% increase in passenger
numbers.
In 2022 15.4 million passengers travelled by rail on RBS (22 million in
total), 19% more than in 2021 but slill 17% less than in 2019 pre-Covid.
Website: http://www.rbs.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2000):
- 61km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1000V= (Bernina-Bahn,
BB)
- 321km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 11kV 16.7Hz (including
Chur-Arosa and Vereina)
This company has the largest network of all Swiss Private Railways.
They operate all trains in South-Eastern Switzerland, also serving e.g.
the major tourist centre of St. Moritz. One of the lines crosses the
Italian border, providing a link to Tirano. The Berninabahn is operated
under DC, the line Chur-Arosa has been converted to 11kV 16 2/3Hz
(energized December 1997). The DC line Castione-Cama (part of
Bellinzona-Mesocco) was handed over to museum railway SEFT in 2003.
Since 2006 this company is a member of RAILplus AG, a company set up by
a number of private railways to coordinate marketing, maintenance, etc.
In 2019 passenger traffic grew by 4.8% (without Glacier Express).
Website: http://www.rhb.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2010):
This new company (2010) has taken over many of the operations from
RTS that quit operating freight trains in 2009. The company is based
in Härkingen. In early September 2010 Coop announced that it had taken
over railCare. Coop was one of the major users of railCare services.
Website: http://www.railcare.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2008):
- 118km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz
The original SOB line from Arth Goldau on the Gotthard line to
Rapperswil
forms the middle section of the Luzern to Romanshorn route, over which
a through service was operated jointly with the SBB and BT. There are
also branch lines to Einsiedeln and Wädenswil.
The BT (Bodensee-Toggenburg-Bahn) formed the eastern section of the
Luzern to Romanshorn route. They also operated between Wil and Nesslau.
At the end of 2001 the BT and SOB merged, to form the "new" SOB. In its
first year (2002) the new SOB transported 10.127 million passengers, up
by 2.8% on the combined BT and "old" SOB numbers. Freight traffic fell
by 8%.
In 2022 27.2 million passengers travelled with SOB, two-third of this
on long-distance services (2019: 13.7 million without the services over
SBB lines).
The "Voralpen-Express" Luzern-Romanshorn used to be operated by SOB and
SBB
together, since December 2013 SOB operates it on its own. Stock
consisted of 7 coaches - some second-hand from SBB - and SOB
locomotives
or "NPZ" motor cars RBDe 561 on both ends of the train. In 2018/2019
new trainsets entered service.
Website: http://www.suedostbahn.ch/
Stock Tables:
SRTAG -
Swiss
Rail
Traffic AG
Network length, gauge and electrification (2014):
SRT provides services to other operators and forwarders. They
own a number of electric locomotives used for open-access trains.
Website: http://www.swissrailtraffic.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2022):
- 25km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz (originally
10.4km at 1200V=)
This company operates two lines, the suburban Sihltalbahn to Langnau
and Sihlbrugg, and a mountain line to Uetliberg. The combined section
to Zürich Central Station used to have two overhead wire systems, the DC one was
located on one side. So the DC-only EMUs had off-centre pantographs!
From April 2022 the Uetliberg line was converted from 1200V
DC to 15kV AC. New (dual voltage) trainsets were ordered to be
used during and after the conversion. The older DC motor cars were
withdrawn.
In 2023 25.14 million passengers travelled with SZU, of which 9.2
million on the Sihltalbahn (S4, +17.5%) and 4.8 million on the
Uetlibergbahn (S10, +22%). Passenger levels are still below the
pre-covid levels of 2019.
Website: http://www.szu.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2019):
- no own tracks (580km
operated)
After Mittelthurgaubahn was liquidated, THURBO - als was already
intended but now earlier - took over services in Eastern Switzerland
and in Southwestern Germany. THURBO owned the former MThB main line
Wil-Weinfelden-Kreuzlingen, the rest of the network was owned by SBB.
In 2019 also the former MThB line (21km) was transferred to SBB.
THURBO operates passenger trains south of Lake Konstanz, on all lines
between Waldshut, Konstanz, Uznach and Altstätten. The operations of
THURBO in Germany (Radolfzell-Stockach and Konstanz-Singen-Engen) are
now a subsidiary of SBB.
In 2007 28.1 million passengers travelled with THURBO, producing 399
million passenger-km.
Website: http://www.thurbo.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2007):
- 7.8km standard gauge, electrified at 750V= (TSOL line, now M1)
This company operates the city tram of Lausanne, including some
interurban light railway lines (Métro Ouest). It used to be called TSOL
- Tramway Sud-Ouest Lausannois.
Website: http://www.t-l.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 26km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz (MO)
- 21km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 850V= (overhead+3rd
rail) (MC)
At the beginning of 2001, the MC (Martigny-Châtelard) and MO
(Martigny-Orsières) merged to become the TMR. The former MO operates a
standard gauge light railway serving an area to the south of the Rhône
Valley, between Martigny and Orsières/Le Châble. Trains run as
"Saint-Bernard Express". TMR and SBB cooperate as Regionalps, that
operates all regional standard gauge passenger services in
Valais/Wallis province. In 2021 new trainsets were ordered from Stadler
to replace both the SBB Domino trainsets and MVR Nina trainsets.
The former MC operates a partly rack line that has stretches of
overhead wire and stretches of 3rd rail. The connecting SNCF line in
France also has 3rd rail. Through operation from Martigny to St.
Gervais(F) is now possible with the new EMUs class BDeh4/8 (MC, 2x) and
Z 800 (SNCF, 3x). In the future all 3rd rail will be
replaced by catenary, for now only 3rd rail is left in a few tunnels.
Trains run as "Mont-Blanc Express".
Website: http://www.tmrsa.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2009):
- 17km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 700V= (BVB)
- 6.2+23+23km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1500V=
(AL+ASD+AOMC)
Already for a long time 4 narrow railways operated together under
general management. Since January 2000 they have merged into the TPC.
These companies operate trains in the region around Aigle, south of
Lake Geneva and close to the French Border. The AL runs from Aigle to
Leysin-Grand-Hôtel and is mainly rack operated. The AOMC operates
trains on
two sections: Monthey-Aigle and Monthey-Champéry. Only the latter has
three rack sections. The ASD operates trains between Aigle and Les
Diablerets, with changing direction in Le Sépey. This line has no rack
sections. The BVB operates trains on Villars-Bex and Villars-Col de
Brétaye, with rack between Bévieux and Gryon, and between Villars and
Col-de-Bretaye.
The AL and ASD connect to the SBB/CFF/FFS in Aigle, the AOMC in Aigle
and in St. Triphon and Monthey (stations within walking distance). The
BVB connects to the SBB/CFF/FFS in
Bex. In 2007 TPC carried 2.1 million passengers, producing 14.5 million
passeger-km.
In 2008, after opening of the new narrow-gauge platforms in Aigle and
the new depot, it was decided to change the voltage on the AOMC line
from 900 to 1500V DC and change the rack type from Strub to Abt. This
has finally taken place during the summer of 2016. Some newer AOMC
trainsets have been adapted
while older
ones were withdrawn.
Website: http://www.tpc.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (1994):
- 48km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 900V=
- 50km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz
The standard gauge part of this company consists of two separate branch
lines, Fribourg(=Freiburg)-Ins and Bulle-Romont. The narrow gauge part
of this company consists of the main line
Palèzieux(SBB)-Bulle-Montbovon(MOB) and the branch line from Bulle to
Broc-Fabrique. The branch to Broc Fabrique is being regauged to
standard gauge, last day of narrow gauge operation 5 April 2021.
In 2016 4.39 million passenger travelled in TPF trains (2% less than
in 2015). Passenger-km grew by 1%.
Website: http://www.tpf.ch/
Stock Tables:
TR
- TR Trans Rail AG
Network length, gauge and electrification (2020):
TR Trans Rail operates open-access (historic) passenger trains
and freight trains. They also provide drivers and logistics services
for other operators. IRSI actually owns the locomotives that
are operated by TR. The company is based in Frauenfeld.
Website: https://www.tr-transrail.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2013):
- 14km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz (former RVT)
- 20km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1500V= (former CMN)
- 8.9km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 600V= (former TN)
In 2012 TNR and TN merged into a new public transport company for the
Neuchâtel region, using brand name transN.
TN operated light trains on Neuchâtel Place Pury-Boudry.
TNR comprised the former narrow gauge private railway CMN
(Chemins de fer de Montagnes Neuchâteloises), the standard gauge
private railway RVT and bus operator VR. The standard gauge part of
this company consists of the secondary line Travers-Fleurier-Buttes.
Through services run
over the SBB line to Neuchâtel. In December 2015 transN took over part
of the services on Neuchâtel-La Chaux de Fonds, together with SBB and
BLS.
The narrow gauge part of this company consists of two separate lines:
La Chaux de Fonds-Les Ponts de Martel and Le Locle-Les Brenets
(northeast of Neuchâtel).
Plans to close Le Locle-Les Brenets in 2023 with rail operations being replaced by
electric busses have now been shelved until at least 2031.
Website: http://www.transn.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2001):
- 13km standard gauge, electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz (former PBr)
- 3.9km standard gauge, electrified at 750V= (former OC)
- 24km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz (former
YSC)
The standard gauge part of this company used to be known as PBr -
Chemin de fer Pont-Brassus. It operates trains from Le Brassus, partly
through trains all the way to Lausanne. They bought two "Neue Pendel
Zug" trains and some second-hand shunters only a few years ago. From
August 2022 the passenger trains will be operated by SBB FLIRT
trainsets, running Lausanne-Le Day-Vallorbe/Le Brassus (trains
splitting/combining at Le Day).
The narrow gauge part of the company used to be known as YSC - Chemin
de fer Yverdon-Ste=Croix. It operates trains from Yverdon(450m) at Lake
Neuchâtel, to Ste. Croix(1050m) which is located close to the French
border.
In 2008 TRAVYS took over the Chemins de fer Orbe-Chavornay (OC). OC
operates a small branch line north of Lausanne. It is the only Swiss
standard gauge adhesion line with DC electrification. In the near
future the line will be partly replaced by a new line and electrified
at 15kV, such that through operation from Orbe to Lausanne will be
possible.
In 2018 1.4 million passengers travelled on all TRAVYS lines, producing
18 million passenger-km. Freight traffic (Orbe-Chavornay only) amounted
260,000 tonnes.
Website: http://www.travys.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
WRS is a relatively new company that operates open-access freight
trains and hires locomotives and personnel to other operators.
Their German subsidiary is called WRS Deutschland GmbH.
Website: https://www.w-r-s.ch/
Stock Tables:
Network length, gauge and electrification (2021):
- 98km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz
- 5km narrow gauge(1000mm), electrified at 1200V= (MIB)
In January 2005 the SBB Brünigbahn narrow gauge railway and the
Luzern-Stans-Engelberg railway merged to become the Zentralbahn. This
new company now operates narrow gauge trains on Luzern-Interlaken Ost,
with a branch from Hergiswil to Engelberg (the former LSE). Both the
main line and the branch have rack sections. A new line to Engelberg
opened in December 2010, it reduces the gradients from 25% to 10.5%
such that standard and longer trains can be used.
In 2019 10.3 million passengers travelled with ZB producing 190.8
million passenger-km, 1.5% more than in
2018. Most popular is the Luzern-Interlaken Express service.
On 1 January 2021 ZB has taken over the Meiringen-Innertkirchen Bahn
from KWO. This line used to be a construction railway for the
hydro-electric
power plant. Later the line was opened to the public and operated by
battery cars. In 1977 it was electrified and second-hand cars were
bought from OEG in Mannheim(D).
In the future the former MIB line (5km, 1200V DC) might be adapted to
allow through trains from Interlaken Ost to the Aareschlucht and
Innertkirchen. There is already a physical connection between the ZB
and MIB lines at Meiringen but the overhead voltage is different and
platform lenghts do not match. Another new development might be the
Grimseltunnel which would connect Innertkirchen with Oberwald (on the
MGB Andermatt-Brig line).
Websites: http://www.zentralbahn.ch/
and
https://www.grimselwelt.ch/
Stock Tables:
Last update: 17-11-2024