From Wednesday, 90 freight trains are set to pass through the Gotthard

As announced by SBB, the eastern tunnel of the Gotthard Base Tunnel can be used for freight traffic starting August 23, 2023. Around 90 freight trains per day will be able to operate through the base tunnel, in addition to about 20 trains on the scenic route. The passenger service will be improved starting August 24, 2023. Trains to and from Italy will operate directly again. The seating capacity in national traffic is only slightly restricted. Spontaneous day trips to Ticino are also possible again.

(Bern/Göschenen) The work to release the undamaged eastern tunnel of the Gotthard Base Tunnel is progressing well and is being carried out at full speed. The severely damaged switch gate has been successfully replaced with a mobile gate. Necessary adjustments in the signaling system will take place in the coming days. Additionally, test runs are required. As announced, freight traffic can roll through the base tunnel again on August 23, 2023.

As of now, around 90 freight trains can operate through the base tunnel per day. About 20 will be diverted via the scenic route. Thus, a total of 110 freight trains can operate on the Gotthard axis each day.

For freight traffic, the opening of the eastern tunnel brings significantly more flexibility and relief for freight customers. Initially, transit trains that were parked in Switzerland and abroad will operate. These could not be diverted via the scenic route due to height restrictions. To ensure that all goods can be transported, freight trains will still need to be diverted via the Lötschberg-Simplon axis and the Brenner route. The exact production concepts are currently being developed. SBB, together with partner railways, is doing everything possible to continuously expand the routes for freight traffic.

Day trips to Ticino are easily possible

Passenger trains will still be diverted via the scenic route. However, the service will be improved starting August 24. More trains can operate at maximum length than today. This will provide more seats for travelers. During peak times on weekends, trains may become crowded as no additional trains can be deployed. SBB asks for understanding and recommends that travelers consult the online timetable before their journey. Day trips to Ticino are easily possible.

SBB understands the desire to reduce prices due to the travel situation in Ticino. However, general price reductions due to the longer travel time are not planned. SBB is expected to offer saver tickets on the routes to and from Ticino again starting August 24. GA customers who do not wish to use their subscription due to the longer travel time can deposit it for 30 days or request a refund under the existing attractive conditions. GA Night customers residing in Ticino can exceptionally travel on Sunday evenings starting September 10 from 6:00 PM until further notice. The travel offer will be adjusted according to the possibilities.

International trains will soon operate directly again

SBB has also achieved improvements in international passenger transport. Starting August 24, cross-border trains to and from Italy will largely operate directly again. The travel time will increase by 60 minutes instead of up to 120 minutes. Departure times need to be adjusted in the north-south direction: Trains to Milan and Venice will depart from Zurich one hour earlier. In the south-north direction, trains will arrive in Zurich one hour later than usual.

Online timetable will be continuously updated

The Eurocity connections from and to Basel via Gotthard will be canceled between Lugano and Milan. These trains will operate within Switzerland as IC21. A transfer will be necessary for onward travel. Trains to and from Bologna will operate exclusively on the Italian section until approximately September 18. A transfer will be necessary in Chiasso. The online timetable will be continuously updated. Currently, the timetable changes for the next few days are visible.

Photo: © SBB