SBB Cargo will close 59 loading points for single wagonload traffic on its network per December. These intersections have been identified as low-traffic points in a drastic review of the current network of the Swiss railway company.  SBB Cargo examined over half of 344 locations. As a result, the 59 low-traffic loading points will be no longer accessible for the customers per the new timetable 2019/2020.

Such a decision was made by SBB Cargo due to the low demand for operations at these points. The further operation of the 59 locations defined for closure will bring only losses to the Swiss rail freight company. SBB is examining its loading points for the second consecutive year together with customers and cantons. Compensating for the closures,  SBB Cargo offers customers its block train services or other loading points.

According to the company’s estimations, the closure of 59 locations for single wagonload traffic will not have a significant impact on freight traffic as a whole. It expects 95 per cent of freight to remain on rails.

More competitive

Reducing the network of loading points is a part of SBB Cargo’s strategy to increase its productivity and competitiveness. Also, the company intends to reduce its staff from 2,200 to 1,400 employees by 2023. Another part of the strategy is a partnership with investors.

To this end, the company sold 35 per cent of its shares to Swiss Combi, a joint venture of the Swiss logistics companies Planzer, Camion Transport, Galliker and Bertschi. The international operations provided under the brand “SBB Cargo International” is still under full control of SBB.

Also read:

• SBB Cargo sells shares to logistics providers
• SBB Cargo struggles with net results 2019