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

Context

TL;DR

• Carla Scheidegger commutes from Kriens to Lugano daily for work at MASI.
• Train schedules from Altdorf to Lugano are infrequent, every two hours.
• Trains southbound are crowded and noisy, unsuitable for working commuters.
• Ticino risks losing potential workers due to poor northbound commuting options.

Key facts

• Commuting Route: Kriens to Lugano via Altdorf by train.
• First Train Time: 08:08 from Altdorf to Lugano.
• Train Frequency: Every two hours from Altdorf to Lugano.
• Travel Time: About 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kriens to Lugano.
• Potential Commuter Pool: Lucerne, Obwalden, and Uri regions.
• Train Crowding: Trains from Zurich are always packed, making it hard to find a quiet spot.
• Carla's Role: Restorer and conservator at MASI in Lugano.
• SBB's Response: Altdorf has limited train stops due to predominantly tourist demand.

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 favourable times. But what’s holding this back is the limited frequency of stops in Altdorf for mainline trains heading south from Zurich, which only stop every two hours.

📊 Potential commuter pool from central Switzerland

• Lucerne → Lugano: ~1h 20m
• Obwalden → Lugano: ~1h 15m
• Uri → Lugano: ~1h 30m

Workers’ rights or tourism?

Carla has already contacted the municipalities of Altdorf and Lugano, as well as SBB, but has received no concrete responses. Recently, she reached out to the Ticino branch of Pro Bahn (ASTUTI), which will discuss the issue at its next meeting. ‘I’m gathering some data; it would be interesting if someone in politics took notice,’ she says. At the heart of her reflection is a broader question: ‘Will Ticino forever remain a canton that only attracts tourism, or could it also draw in potential workers?’

FFS’ response: infrastructural limits

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) provided a partial reply: ‘Altdorf is a town of 9,000 people. Only one long-distance train to Ticino stops here every two hours,’ reads a statement. A situation, the company says, that responds to predominantly tourist demand. Carla, however, stresses that the potential of commuter workers exists and deserves greater attention.

A glimpse into the future

Carla Scheidegger is not alone in facing this situation. Her story has convinced a newsroom to give a voice to those, like her, who choose to work in Ticino despite the logistical challenges. ‘I know I’m going against the grain, but maybe I’m not the only one,’ she concludes. The goal is clear: bring the issue to public attention and drive change to make commuting to Ticino more sustainable and competitive.

Operational details

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 jobs closer to home. A trend that could impact the local economy, particularly in sectors such as culture and services, which rely on skilled staff. 'Ticino has a unique artistic and cultural heritage, but without motivated workers willing to commute, it risks remaining only a tourist destination,' Carla warns.

Possible solutions

Carla has already begun collecting data and has approached local authorities and associations to raise public awareness. One proposal is to increase the frequency of trains from Altdorf southwards, perhaps introducing additional peak-hour services. Another critical issue is the quality of services on board: 'Trains heading north are equipped for people who work — why not do the same for those travelling south?' she asks.

📊 Key data - Travel time Kriens → Lugano: ~1h 20m - First train Altdorf → Lugano: 08:08 - Typical work start time in Ticino: 08:30

A positive sign: ASTUTI’s attention

The Pro Bahn Ticino association (ASTUTI) has taken up Carla’s concerns and will discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting. 'It’s an important signal that a public transport users’ association is focusing on this problem,' Carla comments. Although no concrete solutions have emerged yet, the attention being paid to the issue is a first step towards change.

The role of institutions

According to Carla, local politics could also play a key role. 'It would be helpful if someone in Ticino truly took an interest in this situation,' she says. Cantonal authorities could commission studies to assess the potential of commuters from northern Switzerland and initiate dialogue with SBB CFF FFS to improve connections.

A realistic scenario: what changes for commuters?

If Carla’s requests were met, reverse commuters could benefit from:

• More frequent connections between Altdorf and Lugano
• Carriages equipped for working (power outlets, Wi-Fi, quiet spaces)
• Timetables compatible with full-time employment needs
• Better integration between Ticino’s public transport systems and those in northern Switzerland

A transformation that, if realised, could make Ticino an attractive work destination even for those living north of the Alps.

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Key points

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 important to monitor the authorities’ responses. Carla has received partial replies from SBB/CFF, but the issue remains. 'You have to keep pushing and not settle for vague answers,' she says. If a request is rejected, consider contacting a local or cantonal political representative.

Step 5: Consider long-term solutions

If connections don’t improve, it may be necessary to think about alternative solutions:

• Changing jobs: Assess whether there are opportunities closer to your current residence.
• Moving to Ticino: If your job allows it, relocate to a better-connected area in Ticino.

Useful tools for reverse commuters

For those in Carla’s situation, some tools can make daily life easier:

• 📊 Transport cost calculator: To evaluate the economic benefits of different options.
• 💡 Guide to public transport in Ticino: To learn about timetables and routes.
• ⚠️ SBB/CFF disruption reporting service: To report issues and delays directly to Swiss Federal Railways.

A call not to give up

Carla Scheidegger chose not to stay silent. Her fight is an example of how, even in the face of logistical challenges, it’s possible to seek solutions and bring important issues to public attention. 'Ticino has so much to offer, but it must also be accessible to those who want to work here,' she concludes. If you’re in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to make your voice heard: let’s join forces to demand more efficient and sustainable public transport.

Source: tio.ch