Record passenger numbers on Swiss trains in 2026

Context

In brief

• Record number of passengers on Swiss trains in 2026
• 5% increase in the first quarter
• 4% drop in freight transport

Key facts

• What: Record number of passengers on Swiss trains
• When: First quarter 2026
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Swiss railway companies
• Amount: 5.79 billion passenger-kilometers

Major Swiss railway companies recorded a record number of passengers in the first quarter of 2026. According to the Public Transport Information Service (LITRA), passenger transport reached 5.79 billion passenger-kilometers, a 5.0% increase compared to the same period the previous year. However, compared to the previous quarter (October-December 2025), the figure is down 5.2%, reflecting a seasonal trend.

Data analysis

The 5.2% drop compared to the previous quarter is due to lower demand in the early months of the year, when leisure time, shopping, and commuting are less frequent than at the end of the year. This phenomenon is normal and is confirmed by LITRA.

Impact on freight transport

For its part, rail freight transport remains in difficulty even at the start of 2026. With 2.74 billion tonne-kilometers, the volume is down 4.0% year-on-year and 0.4% compared to the last quarter of 2025. This is the worst result for a first quarter since records began in 2014, a sign that the recovery is slow to come. In addition to the European economic slowdown, structural problems, capacity limits, and the complex management of traffic along the main logistics corridors are weighing heavily.

Companies involved

For passenger transport, LITRA relied on data provided by the railway companies FFS, BLS, MGB (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn), MOB (Montreux–Oberland bernese), RegionAlps (regional transport in Valais), Rhaetian Railway, SBB GmbH (cross-border regional traffic in Basel and Schaffhausen), SOB (Südostbahn), Thurbo (regional transport in eastern Switzerland), TILO, TPF (regional transport in Fribourg), TransN (regional transport in Neuchâtel), and Zentralbahn (Lucerne – Interlaken/Engelberg). For freight traffic, the following companies were considered: BLS Cargo, DB Cargo, RailCare, FFS Cargo, FFS Cargo International, Sersa, TR Trans Rail, TX Logistik, WRS.

Implications for cross-border workers

This record number of passengers could have a significant impact on cross-border workers who use trains to travel between Italy and Switzerland. With the increase in the number of passengers, there could be greater congestion at border stations such as Chiasso and Gaggiolo, making it necessary to improve services and infrastructure to ensure efficient and comfortable mobility.

Comparison with freight transport

While passenger transport records a record, rail freight transport continues to decline. This could indicate an increasing preference for road transport, which could have an impact on the environment and air quality, especially in urban areas and along the main logistics corridors.

Conclusions

The record number of passengers on Swiss trains in the first quarter of 2026 is a positive sign for the public transport sector, but the decline in rail freight transport represents a challenge that requires attention and investment to improve the efficiency and capacity of infrastructure.

Operational details

Analysis of the implications

The record number of passengers on Swiss trains in the first quarter of 2026 has several implications for cross-border workers and the economy of the Canton of Ticino. The 5% increase compared to the previous year indicates a growing preference for rail transport, which could be due to various factors, including rising fuel prices, greater environmental awareness, and the expansion of railway infrastructure.

Impact on cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who commute to Switzerland and live in Italy, the increase in train passengers could mean greater crowds at border stations such as Chiasso and Gaggiolo. This could lead to longer waiting times and a greater need to improve services and infrastructure to ensure efficient and comfortable mobility.

Comparison with freight transport

While passenger transport is setting records, rail freight transport continues to decline. This could indicate an increasing preference for road transport, which could impact the environment and air quality, especially in urban areas and along major logistics corridors. Furthermore, the decline in freight transport could negatively affect the economy of the Canton of Ticino, which partly depends on the transport of goods through its border crossings.

Necessary investments

To address these challenges, it is necessary to invest in railway infrastructure to improve the efficiency and capacity of freight transport. This could include the expansion of marshalling yards, the introduction of advanced technologies for traffic management, and an increase in the frequency of freight trains. Additionally, it may be necessary to promote incentives for companies that choose rail transport over road transport.

Opportunities for the Canton of Ticino

The increase in the number of train passengers could represent an opportunity for the Canton of Ticino to further develop its railway infrastructure and improve the quality of the services offered. This could include the expansion of stations, the introduction of new services, and an increase in the frequency of trains. Furthermore, it may be necessary to promote awareness campaigns to encourage cross-border workers to use rail transport for their daily commutes.

Comparison with other means of transport

While rail transport is setting passenger records, it is important to compare its advantages with those of other means of transport, such as cars and buses. Rail transport offers numerous advantages, including reduced CO2 emissions, greater transport capacity, and greater energy efficiency. However, it may be necessary to address some challenges, such as longer waiting times and the need to improve infrastructure to ensure efficient and comfortable mobility.

Conclusions

The increase in the number of passengers on Swiss trains in the first quarter of 2026 represents an opportunity for the Canton of Ticino to further develop its railway infrastructure and improve the quality of the services offered. However, it is necessary to address the challenges related to freight transport and promote incentives to encourage companies to choose rail transport over road transport. Furthermore, it may be necessary to promote awareness campaigns to encourage cross-border workers to use rail transport for their daily commutes.

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Key points

Concrete actions for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who use trains to travel between Italy and Switzerland, it's important to be aware of the implications of the passenger record registered in the first quarter of 2026. Here are some concrete actions that can be taken to address the challenges related to rail transport.

Trip planning

With the increase in the number of passengers, it may be necessary to plan trips further in advance to avoid prolonged waiting times. Using apps and real-time information services can help monitor attendance and train delays, allowing for better organization of your trips.

Use of alternative means of transport

In some cases, it may be necessary to consider the use of alternative means of transport, such as buses or cars, especially in case of particularly high attendance. However, it is important to evaluate the costs and travel times to choose the most convenient option.

Promotion of rail transport

To encourage greater use of rail transport, it is important to promote its advantages over other means of transport. This could include awareness campaigns, incentives for commuters and improvements to railway infrastructure.

Participation in public consultations

Cross-border workers can participate in public consultations and local initiatives to express their opinions and suggestions on how to improve rail transport. This can help influence the decisions of the authorities and promote solutions that meet the needs of commuters.

Use of calculation tools

To plan your trips as best as possible and compare travel costs and times, you can use calculation tools such as the travel calculator. This tool can help compare the different transport options and choose the most convenient one based on your needs.

Conclusions

The increase in the number of passengers on Swiss trains in the first quarter of 2026 represents a challenge for cross-border workers who use rail transport for their daily commutes. However, with careful planning and the use of calculation tools, it is possible to address these challenges and choose the most convenient transport option. Moreover, participation in public consultations and local initiatives can contribute to improving rail transport and promoting solutions that meet the needs of commuters.

Source: tvsvizzera.it