Reverse commuting: from Altdorf to Lugano every day. But the trains aren't enough

Contesto

Carla Scheidegger, the commuter who defies routine Lugano, 16 April 2026 — Not all Ticino commuters head north. There are those, like Carla Scheidegger, who take the opposite route every morning: from Kriens in the canton of Lucerne to Altdorf, then on to Lugano by train to work at the Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI). A routine, she says, that highlights the shortcomings of Ticino’s rail system when it comes to attracting workers from northern Switzerland. Carla, originally from Ticino but now living in central Switzerland for work and love, is a restorer and conservator. Her job at MASI requires daily trips to Ticino. ‘The first train to Lugano leaves Altdorf at 08:08, and connections run every two hours,’ she explains. A schedule she says is barely compatible with a standard workday. ### The reality of the carriages: lounge or mobile office? For those commuting north, train carriages can double as mobile offices. For Carla, the reality is quite different. ‘In my case, the trains are more like a lounge or a bar for tourists. Sometimes even lively,’ she says. The situation worsens with overcrowding: ‘The train from Zurich is always packed, and finding a quiet spot is impossible.’ A condition that makes the journey south impractical for those, like her, who need to work during their commute. ### Competitive travel times, but scarce connections Starting from Kriens, the trip to Lugano takes about an hour and twenty minutes: 25-30 minutes by car to the Park and Rail in Altdorf, followed by a 50-minute train ride. ‘A travel time that’s absolutely manageable,’ Carla points out, ‘and even more competitive than other internal Swiss connections.’ According to the commuter, a potential pool of users from Lucerne, Obwalden, and Uri could easily reach Ticino in f...

Dettagli operativi

The practical implications for reverse commuters Carla Scheidegger’s story is not an isolated case. For people like her who choose to work in Ticino but live north of the Alps, the logistical challenges become a real barrier. The problem is not just about train frequency, but also the quality of services available during the journey. ### A comparison with other cantons In Ticino, most commuters travel northwards, towards Zurich, Basel or Northern Italy. Trains heading south, however, are designed primarily for tourist demand. 'The carriages are noisy, overcrowded and unsuitable for those who need to work,' Carla points out. This contrasts with the practicality of connections heading north, where trains are more frequent and carriages often equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi. ### Timetables incompatible with work schedules The first train from Altdorf to Lugano departs at 08:08. For those starting work at 08:30, that means having to choose between arriving early or being late. A situation Carla finds unacceptable. 'If Ticino wants to attract workers from northern Switzerland, it must guarantee connections that meet the needs of full-time employees,' she states. ### The untapped potential of the northern Alpine region According to Carla, an area including Lucerne, Obwalden and Uri could represent a significant pool of commuting workers. The travel time from Kriens to Lugano is around one hour and twenty minutes — a competitive figure compared to other internal Swiss connections. However, the low frequency of trains heading south prevents this opportunity from being fully exploited. ### What happens if the situation does not change? If Ticino does not improve connections to the north, the risk is that many workers, like Carla, will choose to relocate or seek jo...

Punti chiave

What can a reverse commuter do to improve their situation? Carla Scheidegger's story highlights a real issue, but it also provides practical insights for those who, like her, face daily inconveniences when commuting south. Here’s what you can do to address the situation. ### Step 1: Explore alternative options First, Carla advises examining all available alternatives. 'If the trains from Altdorf aren’t sufficient, why not consider other solutions?' she suggests. For example: - Carpooling: Organize a group of commuters to travel together and reduce costs. - Remote work: If your job allows it, take advantage of flexibility to work from home a few days a week. - Relocating: If transport connections are insurmountable, consider moving to Ticino, perhaps to an area better served by public transport. ### Step 2: Report the issue to authorities Carla has already contacted the municipalities of Altdorf and Lugano, as well as SBB/CFF (Swiss Federal Railways) and the ASTUTI association. You can do the same: - CANTONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE OF TICINO: Report the issue to request intervention. - SBB/CFF (Swiss Federal Railways): Submit a report via the official website or mobile app. - User associations: Contact Pro Bahn Ticino (ASTUTI) to bring attention to the issue of connections to the south in public debate. ### Step 3: Gather data and apply political pressure Carla is collecting data to support her request. You can contribute too: - Document inconveniences: Report delays, overcrowding, and timetable issues via apps or email. - Involve colleagues: If they face the same situation, join forces to demand change. - Contact the media: Share your story with local outlets or sector associations to increase pressure. ### Step 4: Monitor responses After submitting reports, it’s imp...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What are the train times from Altdorf to Lugano according to the source?","a":"The first train to Lugano departs from Altdorf at 08:08, with connections every two hours. According to Carla Scheidegger, this frequency is barely compatible with a standard workday."},{"q":"Why are trains heading south less equipped for commuters compared to those heading north?","a":"Carla Scheidegger explains that trains traveling north are designed with commuters in mind, offering amenities like power outlets and Wi-Fi. In contrast, trains heading south are often crowded and noisy, catering primarily to tourists."},{"q":"What steps has Carla taken to address this issue?","a":"Carla has contacted the municipalities of Altdorf and Lugano, the SBB/CFF/FFS, and the Pro Bahn Ticino (ASTUTI) association. She also launched a data collection initiative to support her requests and bring the issue to the public’s attention."},{"q":"What is the SBB/CFF/FFS response to the concerns raised by Carla?","a":"The SBB/CFF/FFS stated that Altdorf is a town of 9,000 residents and that one long-distance train to Ticino stops there every two hours. According to the company, this aligns with predominantly tourist demand."},{"q":"What concrete solutions could improve train connections from Altdorf to Lugano?","a":"Proposed solutions include increasing train frequency during peak hours, introducing additional connections, and equipping carriages for commuters with power outlets and Wi-Fi."}]

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