Swiss stay on track with highest rail usage

With an average of more than 2,000 kilometres per person travelled last year, Swiss residents have kept their position as world champions in train usage.

Only the Japanese came close to the Swiss total of 2,103, according to International Union of Railways figures.

Japanese people travelled 1,976 kilometres on the rails while the French and the Austrians, ranked second and third among European countries, travelled 1,350 and 1,090 kilometres respectively.

Train usage is on the increase in Switzerland, up by 100 kilometres per person from 2006. There was also a rise in the number of train journeys taken in 2007, reaching 47 per resident.

Commenting on the strong figures, the Swiss public transport umbrella organisation Litra said they reflected the attractive offers of the government-owned Swiss Federal Railways.

Litra praised in particular Federal Railways’ staggered timetable, the quality of connections, punctuality and the modern and comfortable train cars.