The figure marks an increase of 0.6 percentage points on the previous year, the Federal Railways said on Tuesday, and a decrease of 0.1 percentage points on the pandemic year 2020, when there were in any case much fewer passengers on the move.
“On time”, according to the definition of the company, means arriving with no more than a three-minute delay.
The company said the “very punctual” result was driven by – among other reasons – the mild weather conditions, the ongoing dip in passenger numbers at the start of 2021, and better coordination of construction work.
Some 98.7% of passengers meanwhile made their connections, marking a very slight dip on the previous year, partly due to problems with international connections.
Regional differences
Punctuality varied however across the country: while the (biggest) German-speaking region was most punctual, delays were more frequent in the south-western French-speaking region. This was due to the many construction projects underway, the Federal Railways said. It is currently working on a timetable overhaul in the region.
The Swiss are avid train travellers, with reports in the past putting them well at the top of European lists, both in terms of frequency of usage and kilometres covered.
Of the country’s 5,100 km of railway, around 3,200 km is operated by the Swiss Federal Railways. Founded in 1902, the former federal organisation became a public limited company in 1999.
More
More
Are Swiss trains becoming less punctual, pricier and more dangerous?
This content was published on
Long known for its efficiency, critics say service on the Swiss Federal Railways is deteriorating. Do they have a point?
Have you heard something about Swiss diplomacy that you’d like us to fact check?
Not all information circulating about Switzerland’s foreign relations is accurate or well understood. Tell us what you'd like us to fact check or clarify.
This content was published on
The Eurovision Song Contest shows are in high demand, with the result that profiteers are hoping to make a quick franc by buying up lots of tickets.
Former Swiss finance minister slams report on Credit Suisse collapse
This content was published on
Former Swiss Finance Minister Ueli Maurer has criticised a parliamentary report on UBS's takeover of Credit Suisse, rejecting accusations that he hid the seriousness of the situation from the government.
This content was published on
Researchers in Zurich have developed an electricity-free dehumidifier. It is a building element that allows walls and ceilings to absorb moisture from the air and store it temporarily.
Swiss man found dead in Iranian prison had allegedly collected soil samples
This content was published on
The Swiss man who died in an Iranian prison is said to have secretly taken soil samples beforehand, according to Iranian media.
This content was published on
Hackers have attacked the Swiss federal administration. Among other things, telephones, email and various federal websites and specialist applications were affected.
More and more Swiss celebrities and institutions leaving X
This content was published on
The short messaging service X has also lost its reputation in Switzerland. More and more personalities and institutions are turning their backs on tech billionaire Elon Musk's platform.
Driver going wrong way causes accident in Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
A 76-year-old driver going in the wrong direction caused a head-on collision on the A2 motorway in canton Uri on Friday. Five people were injured.
Opponents of Crans-Montana ski work appeal to Federal Court
This content was published on
Opponents of the new finishing area stadium for the national piste in Crans-Montana, site of the 2027 Alpine World Ski Championships, have appealed to the Swiss Federal Court.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Three Swiss trains a day run with a known safety defect
This content was published on
A report by the Swiss Safety Investigation Service (SESE) has warned that up to three Swiss trains a day run with a known defect.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.