The Swiss railway company SBB is continuing to reform its single-wagon transport system (EWLV) and will implement a new operating model starting in December 2026. The primary objective of this change is to increase train utilization, reduce costs, and ensure the long-term economic sustainability of rail freight transport. This decision is driven by requirements from the Swiss federal authorities, mandating that freight operations become self-sustaining by 2033.
As part of the reform, SBB will discontinue service to approximately 50 locations with low demand. Currently, the EWLV network serves around 280 locations. However, the company states that approximately 98% of existing freight volumes will continue to be transported by rail. SBB believes that higher utilization of rolling stock will significantly enhance operational efficiency and optimize resource usage.
These changes also affect the company’s workforce. Approximately 200 employees across Switzerland face changes to their work locations, including those in Brig, Buchs, Chiasso, Thun, and Fribourg. SBB is taking individual circumstances into account to address these transitions. Concurrently, the company plans to recruit new staff; its freight division is expected to require around 300 new employees over the coming years.