Replacing the train

Satisfied commuters despite line closures

For 23 days in July, commuters in the Laufental valley travelled by bus instead of by train. With construction work on the tracks between the towns of Aesch and Delémont, they fell back on the rail replacement programme set up by PostBus on behalf of SBB. 40 drivers covered the special timetable, and an additional 13 articulated buses from all over Switzerland were deployed. The drivers were also responsible for guiding customers, for example showing them the way to the departure stops or providing information about connecting trains. The feedback from passengers was overwhelmingly positive, and there was also much praise for PostBus from SBB.

To reduce construction time, SBB is increasingly opting for full closures when work on the railway network is required. The organization and operation of replacement buses is a challenge that PostBus will happily continue to accept.