Push to fund night trains by cities

After the refusal by Bern to subsidize night trains, left-wing parties in five cities are launching a coordinated push to support international night trains.

Similar motions are being submitted this week in Geneva and Lausanne, following earlier moves in Zurich, Basel and Bern. 

The aim is to encourage cities to provide temporary financial backing and pressure the Confederation to act. 

The proposal is criticised by the right, which says night trains are not a priority amid tight federal finances.

Recently, the federal parliament refused to fund the Basel–Malmö service. 

Backers say night trains are essential to cut short haul flights in Europe.

More from Bitesize News

  • Twint scam warning

    Switzerland has launched a national campaign to help the public spot online scams that exploit the Twint payment app

  • Water ban in parts of Valais

    Val de Bagnes has banned residents from using the irrigation network to water gardens and lawns, as Valais water reserves fall to critical levels

  • New insurance premium initiative

    Switzerland's Socialist Party is expected to launch signature collection today for an initiative linking health insurance premiums to household income

  • Rail link critical

    The Lausanne-Geneva rail line must be Switzerland's "absolute priority", according to the country's public transport association

  • Income not enough for many households

    Nearly 360,000 Swiss workers already earn too little to support their households, and the imminent health premium announcement threatens to push more families under

  • Speed limit decrease in parts of Lausanne

    Several new streets in central Lausanne will drop to 30 kilometres per hour from 12 October, day and night, according to a letter the city has sent to affected residents

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play