[Wig]

13 May 2025 at 15:44:40 #2592914

I saw a message that the Zurich Flughafen is undergoing renovation / repairs by SBB, delays or cancellations expected over next 2 months. Moderators, is this correct? Will there be repercussions pn other stations, Zurcih HB etc. Our travel in June relies entirely on the efficient Swiss rail system?

Thanks

Wig

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[Roger Sexton]

Reply 1 of 3 • 13 May 2025 at 17:28:36 #2592919

Hello Wig

I am not one of the moderators.  I have been a ‘Participant’ in this forum for eleven months, but already I have made over a thousand contributions.
More importantly, I have been visiting Switzerland regularly since 1971.  One of the reasons for the frequency of those visits is the extremely good public transport (ALL MODES).

Emergency Engineering Work on damaged lines

This is not what you are asking about, but I think I should mention this. From time-to-time severe weather damages a railway line.  This a worldwide problem, and it is getting worse.  Global warming means that extreme weather is becoming more common.
Last year there were two instances of major weather damage to Swiss railway lines.  In June the line to Zermatt was badly damaged, and there were rail replacement buses for two months.  All the reports coming to this forum were very positive about these buses.
In August the Lucerne to Interlaken line was badly damaged at Brienz.  There were buses between Meiringen and Interlaken for nearly three months.  I used this ‘line’ in early October. I was most impressed.  Reports to this forum were very positive.

Buses in Switzerland are arguably even better organised than the trains.  The regular bus services are fantastic.  While in many countries bus services are in decline, in Switzerland bus services are expanding.

Rail Replacement Buses.  I am British, where bus services have been in decline, London excepted.  When rail replacement buses appear in Britain, they are sometimes unsuitable and/or old vehicles, with drivers getting lost.  Switzerland is different.  Suitable vehicles are used, and drivers have proper instructions.

PLANNED Engineering works.  Switzerland’s excellent railways are used very intensively, so from time-to-time sections of line are closed for repairs or upgrading.  On my last three holidays to Switzerland there has been planned engineering work somewhere(s).  When there is PLANNED engineering work the timetable is reorganised to make the best use of the track still available.  Rail replacement buses are organised so that they connect with the trains.  The nonsense I once witnessed at Peterborough where an almost empty Intercity train left for London just as two road coaches arrived from Doncaster would not happen in Switzerland.

Rail Replacement buses will usually be slower than trains.  But the Swiss PUBLIC TRANSPORT timetable will be reorganised to take into account the longer running times.  Part of the line from Basel to Delemont is currently closed for UPGRADING.  That meant (1) reorganising the train timetable (2) organising replacement buses and (3) reorganising the bus services which connect with the trains!

In conclusion, do not panic.  Always consult the Swiss electronic timetable (say) a day before you travel.

Kind regards
Roger

[Anna]

Reply 2 of 3 • 13 May 2025 at 19:59:09 #2592924

Hi Wig,

Due to the ongoing constructions at Zurich Airport, there will be occasional disruptions to certain train lines but this will be communicated in advance on the SBB website and SBB Mobile App. Always check the timetable before you start your journey to ensure you are up to date:

https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/public-transport/timetable/

Regards,
Anna

[Wig]

Reply 3 of 3 • 13 May 2025 at 22:58:09 #2592929

Thanks Anna. I am sure the transportation system is wonderful.