SBB scraps special fan train to Sion–Zurich match amid engineering works, urges travellers to re-route

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) announced on 15 September that it will not operate the usual charter ‘fan train’ for supporters travelling to this weekend’s FC Sion vs FC Zurich fixture because major track renewals around Sion station will close several platform tracks. Regular InterCity services will run but with limited bicycle and large-luggage capacity, and police have asked clubs to stagger supporter arrivals to ease crowding. While primarily a domestic issue, the disruption affects international fans connecting from Geneva Airport and Lyon, many of whom rely on through-ticketted itineraries covered by the Rail & Fly scheme. Mobility coordinators for sports-marketing agencies have been told to rebook via Lausanne and Montreux, adding up to 40 minutes to the journey. The case highlights Switzerland’s practice of prioritising long-planned infrastructure works over ad-hoc charter movements; employers organising incentive trips or conference groups by rail should monitor the SBB construction calendar, published 18 months in advance, to avoid last-minute coach hires that may violate cabotage rules. Travellers can claim goodwill refunds for unused group reservations under SBB tariff T600, but only if rebooking is impossible. Cantonal tourism boards worry that repeated cancellations of football fan specials could dent Switzerland’s reputation for seamless event mobility ahead of Euro 2028, when Basel and Geneva will host matches. The federal sports ministry says it is working with SBB on a dedicated ‘event rail-operations desk’ to streamline future planning.