Recently, I have posted my new long-distance traffic map of Switzerland. It shows the current services in 2022. In addition, I wanted to provide information about the development in the last years. That’s why I have created seven maps showing the former services. I have chosen the specific years in a manner so that the majority of the different concepts on all corridors are shown.

There major changes were:

  • 1982: Introduction of fixed interval timetables
  • 1983-1988: Hourly services Geneva-Biel/Bienne, rearrangement Zurich-Basel
  • 1989-1994: Another rearrangement Zurich-Basel
  • 1995-2002: New service concept between Geneva, Lausanne, Biel/Bienne and Basel resp. Zurich, increased frequencies between Basel, Bern and Zurich, opening of the Vereina Tunnel from Klosters to Sagliains, introduction of IR trains
  • 2003-2008: New infrastructure line between Bern and Olten, Lötschberg Base Tunnel from Spiez to Visp
  • 2009-2013: Additional services Zurich-Ticion-Milan, new services between Bern and Lausanne
  • 2014-2018: Gotthard Base Tunnel from Erstfeld to Biasca, opening of the CEVA (Geneva-Annemasse), new service concept between Zurich and St. Gallen, introduction of line numbers
  • 2019-2022: Ceneri Base Tunnel from Giubiasco to Lugano, new service concept between Zurich and St. Gallen, multiple upgrades of RE to IR services

In order to emphasize the development of the services, some of the graphical details are adapted between the versions. The changes lean towards typical design styles that have also changed in the last 40 years. Do you find them all?

1982/83
1988/89
1994/95
2002
2008
2013
2018
2022

Note: I do not have detailed information about the services in 2002. Please be aware that some of the services labeled as IR could also have operated as train type “Schnellzug”, “Train direct” or “Treno diretto”.

Map 1982/83Download
Map 1988/89Download
Map 1994/95Download
Map 2002Download
Map 2008Download
Map 2013Download
Map 2018Download
Map 2022Download

2 thoughts on “The Evolution of Long-Distance Trains in Switzerland since 1982”

  1. All of them are lovely and beautiful. I also notice how each map kind of ‘leans back’ on a style that was most relevant at its time. As I looked through the maps, I could actually see the changes, not just in style but the lines themselves, and it really helps see how much the Swiss have evolved in terms of train public transport. If I had to explain this map in one word, it would be:
    Fantastisch!

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