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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 1 (May 1, 1933)

The Railway Position in Switzerland

The Railway Position in Switzerland.

While in a few countries—like New Zealand, India, Italy, and Britain—railway returns recently have been a little more promising, in general the study of world railway affairs remains disappointing. Typical of the situation of many of the European railways is that of Switzerland, where the recently issued annual report of the State Railways confirms the heavy decreases in traffic common throughout the Continent.

Passengers over the Swiss State Railways dropped from 127,900,000 in 1930 to 122,500,000 in 1931, and passenger receipts from 159,100,000 francs to 150,700,000 francs. Similar losses were recorded on the freight side. The development of road competition was largely responsible for the fall in traffic, although the prevailing business depression also hit the Swiss lines. There is no question of the efficiency of the Swiss railways, for they are far-famed as progressive and well managed. As a leader in the electrification field, Switzerland stands pre-eminent, owning some 403 mainline electric locomotives and 38 electric shunting locomotives. Plans are now under review for placing the whole question of the relative places to be taken by rail and road transport respectively upon a more equitable basis in Switzerland, and as a result of this move the railways should be able to make a better showing.

Central passenger station, Trieste, Italian State Railways.

Central passenger station, Trieste, Italian State Railways.