SWISS rail freight operator BLS Cargo achieved record turnover of SFr 203m ($US 213.6m) in 2017, a 6% increase compared with 2016, while net profits more than doubled from SFr 1.5m to SFr 3.5m.
A crucial decision on the future of Switzerland’s inter-city network will be made this year, which could break SBB’s monopoly on the sector. BLS CEO Bernard Guillelmon talks to Keith Barrow about how the country’s second-largest railway plans to re-enter the long-distance market.
SWITZERLAND’s second-largest railway BLS says it is still pushing for a concession to operate long-distance services beyond its own network, despite the recent failure of talks with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) on the future of domestic inter-city services.
BLS, Switzerland, announced on February 16 that it has agreed to sell a 45% stake in its rail freight subsidiary BLS Cargo to SNCF Logistics.
WITH just weeks to go before the start of full commercial operations, Switzerland’s Federal Transport Office (BAV) has approved the use of Bombardier Traxx locomotives in the Gotthard Base Tunnel following the installation of an ETCS software update.
SWISS railfreight operator BLS Cargo says it expects to take delivery of the first of 15 Vectron multi-system electric locomotives from Siemens within the next few months.
What will happen to transalpine traffic when the Gotthard road tunnel closes for maintenance work? Can rail take the strain from the roads on this vital axis, and if so, how? Regional editor Anitra Green takes a look at the possibilities and the wider implications.
SWISS railfreight operator BLS Cargo announced its annual results on March 17, revealing a 75% increase in profits to SFr 2.5m ($US 2.5m) and a 49% increase in Ebit to SFr 4 million in 2014 despite an 8% drop in net earnings, which fell to SFr 167.9m.
BOMBARDIER announced on February 5 that its Traxx F140 AC3 Last Mile locomotive has received authorisation from the Swiss Federal Transport Office (BAV) for unrestricted commercial operation in Switzerland.
BLS, Switzerland, announced on January 6 that it has reached an agreement with German Rail (DB) subsidiary DB Schweiz Holding, part of DB Schenker Rail, to buy back its 45% stake in BLS Cargo for an undisclosed sum.