Swiss Cantons Take Action Against Chronic Delays of Deutsche Bahn Trains
Switzerland is increasingly taking matters into its own hands to combat the persistent unreliability of Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national rail company. Repeated delays impacting Swiss train schedules have prompted cantons to demand solutions, ensuring your journeys remain punctual and efficient.
A History of Delays
For years, Switzerland’s Federal Railways (SBB) has dealt with the fallout from DB’s frequent tardiness on routes crossing into Switzerland. The contrast in performance is stark. In 2024,approximately 64% of DB’s long-distance trains arrived on time,while SBB maintained a 93.2% punctuality rate. This significant difference disrupts the seamless integration of the Swiss rail network.
SBB’s Initial response: Border Stops & Train Transfers
To protect the reliability of its own services, SBB announced in 2025 a policy of terminating certain DB trains at the Swiss border in Basel.Passengers are then transferred to SBB trains for the remainder of their trip. Specifically, the EuroCity service from Hamburg to Interlaken Ost and the Dortmund to Zurich train are no longer permitted to operate within Switzerland.
It’s important to note that trains traveling from Switzerland to Germany on these routes are unaffected. The focus remains on maintaining punctuality within switzerland.
Schaffhausen Canton Joins the Effort
Now, the canton of Schaffhausen, also bordering Germany, is escalating the response. Frustrated with ongoing disruptions, cantonal authorities have formally requested SBB intervention. They’ve specifically asked SBB to split the Stuttgart to Zurich connection at Singen, Germany – just north of the border.
This would allow passengers destined for Zurich to transfer to SBB trains, guaranteeing a timely arrival. According to the letter sent to SBB, the residents of schaffhausen deserve dependable connections to Zurich.
What’s Next?
Currently, SBB has not publicly responded to Schaffhausen’s request. Though, this action underscores the growing pressure on DB to improve its performance and the determination of Swiss authorities to safeguard the quality of their rail service.
Here’s a swift recap of the situation:
* The Problem: Deutsche Bahn’s chronic delays are impacting Swiss train schedules.
* SBB’s First Step: Terminating late DB trains at the border and transferring passengers.
* Schaffhausen’s Demand: Splitting a specific connection at the German-Swiss border.
* The Goal: To ensure reliable and punctual train service for passengers traveling within Switzerland.
Further Reading:
* Switzerland’s SBB to replace unreliable German trains on key rail route
* Switzerland suspends Deutsche Bahn trains due to chronic delays
