Freight transport: less rail, more road

Transporting goods by train? Yes, but not at a loss, even if it means a resurgence of trucks on Swiss roads. On Tuesday, the SBB announced that it was "repositioning" itself in the area of ​​combined freight transport (CT). This mode of transport, which is carried out "by rail over long distances and by road over short distances," is not profitable. "Out of 18 million in revenue, we have 12 million in losses. We are suffering greatly from competition with road transport," explains Frédéric Revaz, a spokesperson for the SBB. It was therefore decided to abandon loss-making offers.

Specifically, eight SBB TC terminals will no longer be operated. These include those in Oensingen, Basel, Gossau, Widnau, Renens, Saint-Triphon, Cadenazzo, and Lugano. As a result, the share of road transport in combined traffic will increase. "According to our calculations, this will mean the circulation of 70 additional trucks per day in Switzerland," notes Frédéric Revaz.

The spokesperson, however, moderates: "In terms of ecology, we are taking a step back to make a better leap, because, with other projects, we are working to increase the share of rail freight traffic in the long term." The construction of five new TC terminals and the strengthening of freight traffic on the north-south axis are notably planned.

In terms of employment, the changes announced Tuesday will involve the elimination of 65 full-time positions by the end of the year. "French-speaking Switzerland is not affected," said Frédéric Revaz. The toll therefore increases for CFF Cargo , which had already announced the elimination of 80 positions in February. However, CFF has committed to proceeding in a manner "as socially responsible as possible," prioritizing natural departures and replacements within the company: "Layoffs will be the exception."