Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is restructuring its combined transport (CT) operations as part of a broader strategy to improve cost efficiency and modernise freight transport. The initiative will focus on the north-south freight corridor, with new services set to launch under the “Suisse Cargo Logistics” concept.
As part of the reorganisation, unprofitable services will be discontinued, and approximately 65 jobs will be cut across Switzerland by the end of 2025. These changes form part of SBB’s long-term plan to reduce freight transport costs by CHF 60 million annually by 2033.
SBB Cargo Switzerland is targeting strategic corridors
SBB Cargo Switzerland currently delivers freight services across the country through single wagonload transport, block trains, and combined transport — where goods are carried by rail over long distances and transferred by road locally.
A pilot connection between Dietikon (ZH) and Stabio (TI) on the north-south corridor will begin operating by 2026, testing the new “Suisse Cargo Logistics” model. In contrast, the east-west axis lacks both terminal infrastructure and express freight routes to support such operations at this stage.
Eight SBB-operated combined transport terminals that are no longer profitable will be phased out: Oensingen, Basel, Gossau, Widnau, Renens, St. Triphon, Cadenazzo, and Lugano. However, freight transfer to rail will still be available via third-party terminals.
If the Dietikon–Stabio pilot proves successful, SBB plans to extend the concept to the east-west corridor in the long term. This includes advancing infrastructure projects like the Gateway Basel Nord trimodal terminal.
Workforce impact and social measures
The changes will result in the elimination of 65 additional full-time roles at SBB Cargo Switzerland, mainly affecting locomotive drivers, shunting staff, and freight train inspectors. The job cuts follow earlier reductions tied to partner train service discontinuations by DB Cargo.
SBB Cargo Switzerland, which currently employs around 2,250 people (including around 50 in combined transport), is working with social partners to implement the reductions in line with collective labour agreements. Most cuts will be absorbed through natural turnover, retirements, or redeployment within SBB. One-third of the reductions will be in German-speaking Switzerland and two-thirds in Ticino, with no impact on French-speaking regions.
While trimming operational costs, SBB continues to invest in future-ready freight operations — including automation, digitalisation, and new rolling stock. The aim is to make rail freight more competitive and environmentally sustainable.
Continued job growth in wider SBB Group
Despite the cuts at SBB Cargo, the wider SBB group has expanded its workforce significantly in recent years. Since 2019, the company has created around 3,000 new roles, mostly in operations, engineering, skilled trades, and IT. SBB currently employs around 35,500 people nationwide.
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