The Swiss Transport Workers’ Union (SEV) has used the current international break in the Swiss Super League to call for a binding framework governing the operation of so-called “Fanzüge”—special charter trains that carry large groups of football supporters to league and European fixtures. In a statement released on 22 September, SEV warns that violent incidents, vandalism and emergency-brake misuse on ad-hoc charter services are placing unacceptable risks on train crews and other passengers. SEV vice-president Patrick Kummer argues that separating organised fan groups from regular services is the best way to keep both supporters and the travelling public safe. However, he insists that the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), clubs, the Swiss Football League, policing authorities and fan organisations must agree on a permanent cost-sharing model. “Transport police and onboard staff need adequate manpower, training and technical support—without a sustainable financing mechanism, safety measures will always lag behind,” Kummer said. The debate has major mobility implications because many Super League fixtures, as well as UEFA club matches, involve cross-border travel to neighbouring Germany, France, Italy and Austria. On high-demand weekends the SBB runs up to 40 extra charter services, some of which cross Schengen internal borders where security coordination can be patchy. For corporate mobility managers the issue is more than a public-order footnote. Peak-hour charter paths for fan trains can squeeze capacity on the busy east–west trunk line that business travellers rely on between Geneva, Bern, Zurich and St Gallen. Short-notice timetable changes triggered by security incidents have, on several occasions this year, forced international passengers to miss connecting long-distance trains and flights. SEV proposes a three-tier solution: (1) a federally mandated safety standard covering rolling-stock configuration, onboard staffing levels and surveillance technology; (2) a transparent levy on match tickets to fund extra security personnel; and (3) a real-time information platform that alerts other rail users to charter movements. The union wants negotiations wrapped up before the league resumes in mid-October, when derby matches typically generate the heaviest fan traffic.
Source: SEV-Online
