The planned SBB night train service from Basel to Copenhagen and Malmö, initially slated to launch next April, faces cancellation after the Swiss Parliament rejected federal subsidies of ten million Swiss francs. However, a new proposal from Bernese SP Grand Councillor Tanja Bauer suggests the Canton of Bern could step in to finance the route, provided the train departs from Bern, Thun, or Interlaken.
Key Takeaways
- Swiss Parliament cut 10 million CHF federal subsidies for the Basel-Malmö night train.
- SBB confirms the service cannot operate without financial support.
- Bernese SP Grand Councillor Tanja Bauer proposes the Canton of Bern fund the route.
- The proposal requires the night train to depart from Bern, Thun, or Interlaken.
- Proponents highlight tourism benefits and Bern's financial capacity.
- Opponents question the canton's role in international routes and financial priorities.
Federal Funding Cut Halts SBB Night Train Plans
The decision by the Swiss Parliament on Tuesday to strike the necessary federal funds has put the SBB night train project on hold. This service would have connected Basel to key Nordic cities like Copenhagen and Malmö, offering an alternative travel option for many.
SBB confirmed that without the ten million Swiss francs in subsidies, operating the planned line is not economically viable. The company expressed understanding for disappointed customers and stated that all pre-purchased tickets would be refunded. This move marks a significant setback for those hoping for expanded international rail travel from Switzerland.
Fact: Night Train History
Bern has not had direct night train connections since 2013, making this proposed route a potential return to international rail for the region.
Bernese Politician Proposes Cantonal Rescue
Amidst the cancellation, SP Grand Councillor Tanja Bauer is pushing for the Canton of Bern to assume financial responsibility. She plans to submit a motion arguing that the federal parliament missed a crucial opportunity for Switzerland.
Bauer believes that night train services often require subsidies to be sustainable. Her proposal hinges on the condition that the night train would originate from Bern, Thun, or Interlaken. This shift in departure point is central to her vision for strengthening the canton's tourism sector.
"The Parliament missed an opportunity for all of Switzerland with its 'no'. It is a fallacy to believe that night train services are self-sustaining," stated Tanja Bauer.
Tourism as a Key Driver
Bauer emphasizes the tourism aspect, which she feels was overlooked in the federal debate. She points out that the trains would operate in both directions, allowing tourists from Hamburg, Copenhagen, and Malmö to travel directly into Switzerland, specifically to Bern.
According to Bauer, Bern has been "completely cut off" from international passenger traffic for years. The absence of direct international train lines and a major nearby airport forces travelers to undertake longer detours.
Bern's Connectivity Challenge
For over a decade, Bern has lacked direct international train connections. This has made travel to and from the canton more complex for international visitors and residents alike, often requiring transfers in other Swiss cities or reliance on air travel from distant airports.
Financial Feasibility and Political Support
Tanja Bauer asserts that the funding is not an issue for the canton. She highlights Bern's strong financial situation and projected surpluses for the coming years, making the ten million franc subsidy "manageable."
She is confident that if the same parties who supported the federal initiative back her cantonal proposal, a majority could be found in the Grand Council. This suggests a potential cross-party alignment on the importance of international connectivity.
- Strong Financial Position: Bern has reported significant financial surpluses.
- Manageable Cost: Ten million Swiss francs is deemed affordable within the cantonal budget.
- Political Alignment: Bauer hopes for support from parties that favored the initial federal plan.
Mixed Reactions from Other Parties
FDP Grand Councillor Peter Haudenschild expressed interest in Bauer's idea, acknowledging the importance of maintaining international connections. He noted that with the EU planning its long-distance network around Switzerland, it is crucial for Bern to remain integrated.
"Especially in times when the EU is planning its long-distance network around Switzerland, we must ensure that we can maintain international connections," said Peter Haudenschild, a member of Bern's transport commission.
However, Haudenschild also raised a point about broader responsibility. He believes that the Canton of Bern should not be the sole financier, as the entire country would benefit from a train connection to Hamburg, Copenhagen, and Malmö.
SVP Voices Strong Opposition
SVP Grand Councillor Samuel Leuenberger voiced clear opposition to Bauer's proposal. He questions the wisdom of investing significant cantonal funds in maintaining long-distance connections, especially on foreign rail networks that may not meet Swiss standards.
Leuenberger argues that it is not the Canton of Bern's responsibility to cover such costs, particularly for a canton he describes as "chasing every franc." He believes that if the canton were to pursue an international connection, it should prioritize one to the south.
Potential Southern Link
Samuel Leuenberger suggested a BLS connection to Milan, or even Genoa, as a more sensible international route for the Canton of Bern, focusing on regional economic ties.
The debate highlights a fundamental difference in political priorities: whether the canton should invest in international tourist connections to the north or focus on regional economic links to the south.