Experience of replacement buses due to rail works?

Short summary – read this first

A traveler named SallyW is concerned about rail works affecting her journey from Engelberg to Lucerne on April 2nd, which might make her miss her flight from Basel airport. She wants to know if there will be enough replacement buses for all the passengers during this disruption.

Key takeaways:
  • Replacement transport usually works well, and there should be enough buses for everyone during rail works.
  • It's a good idea to contact SBB about luggage services if you find it inconvenient to carry your bags.
  • Staff are typically available to assist with the transfer and ensure smooth connections to the buses.
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InfoAI-generated summary
  • Anonymous
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    21 March 2016 at 9:03:27 #808678

    I have just noticed when looking at the updated timetable Engelberg to Lucerne that there are going to be rail works near Hergiswil on the day of our return journey, 2nd April. They are laying on buses for the affected sections, annoyingly meaning we have to get on and off transport several times to reach Basel airport. This means we will have to leave Engelberg at least an hour early. My worry and my question is does anyone know whether they will send enough buses to accommodate the number of people who may have been on the train? I have visions of being refused entry to the bus with a knock-on effect of missing our flight.

  • Annika
    Moderator
    7328 posts
    Reply 1 of 4 • 21 March 2016 at 11:56:55 #849631

    Hi SallyW,

    That’s a pity indeed. Generally such replacement transportation is very well organised though. There should be enough buses, information on how to change is provided and personnel will be there to help with the transfers and to answer questions. At least, that’s how things were organised the few times I’ve experienced replacement buses myself. If you feel like carrying along your luggage may be a inconvenient, you can look into the SBB’s luggage services.

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    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 2 of 4 • 21 March 2016 at 20:32:26 #849632

    Hi Sally W-

    I can confirm Annika’s experiences. That has happened to me a few times, and, other than the delay, it has been quite well organized. I am sure that there will be plenty of capacity for all the passengers.

    Luggage is a nuisance, but they can accommodate it on the bus or buses in various ways.

    Slowpoke

    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 3 of 4 • 21 March 2016 at 23:40:11 #849633

    Hi Sally

    Try not to worry. The few times we have had to use a bus replacement service, everything went smoothly. There were staff on hand to direct us to a bus, (we didn’t have luggage as we were on a day excursion but other people did and had no problems). We assume the staff then phoned ahead to the rail station to let them know how many buses to expect as the train waited for them all to arrive.

    When we are leaving Switzerland we usually send our luggage ahead to the airport so you could enquire about that at your departure rail station.

    Have a great holiday.

    Maggie

    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 4 of 4 • 23 March 2016 at 7:32:49 #849634

    Thanks for the helpful replies. I feel a lot better about it now!

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