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Instead of taking the plane by train: SBB wants to expand its range of night trains abroad, together with its Austrian partner ÖBB. In an interview with SRF, SBB media spokesperson Ottavia Masserini explains exactly what night train users can expect.
Ottavia Masserini
SBB Media Spokesperson
SRF News: What innovations can passengers expect on night trains?
Ottavia Masserini: By 2024, we want to work with ÖBB to expand the range of night trains to Europe. Specifically, our offer will increase from six to ten lines. The destinations of Amsterdam, Barcelona and Rome will now be served by night trains.
Are you betting on a trend?
Yes. In recent years we have clearly seen from our clients that discussions about sustainability have intensified in all areas of life. In 2019 we saw a supply demand of 25 percent compared to the previous year. We can feel that when it comes to travel, our clients are also giving more importance to sustainability than a few years ago. As a utility company, our job is to react to such trends.
As a utility company, our job is to react to such trends.
SBB stopped night trains about ten years ago and is now getting back on board. Was the output an error?
That was definitely not a mistake at the time! The night train business was extremely poor ten years ago. We simply could no longer afford the deficit. Our offer just couldn’t keep up with cheap flights to European cities. The current situation is completely different. In addition to the growing need among our customers, there is also the willingness of politicians to financially support the night train offer.
They link the planned expansion to the condition that the federal government subsidize the operation with money from the new climate fund. Are there no alternatives?
30 million is the deficit that we will find when expanding the network of night trains to ten lines a year. The loss must be covered, SBB cannot bear the deficit on its own.
Night trains are not very efficient.
Why is the operation of night trains more expensive than, for example, the operation of an intercity?
A night train is only used at night; the wagons remain standing during the day. The journey usually takes place at a slower pace and over longer distances. Therefore, night trains are not very efficient. In addition, they are very small fleets that must be maintained and maintained with many extras.
The interview was conducted by Matthias Thomi.
