Swiss Train Company SBB Made Millions From Ash Cloud Cancellations

GENEVA — Switzerland's national rail company SBB says it earned millions from the ash cloud that paralyzed much of Europe's airspace in April.

The company says it earned 165.9 million Swiss francs ($163.8 million) during the first six months of the year, an increase of almost a quarter compared to 2009. SBB said Wednesday its profits increased 5 million francs ($4.9 million) as stranded air travelers scrambled to complete their journey by rail.

Plumes of volcanic ash led many European countries to close their airspace between April 15 and 20, affecting about 10 million travelers worldwide, including those at Switzerland's main international airports in Zurich and Geneva.

Switzerland, which lies in the center of Europe, has excellent train connections across the continent.

Comments

[Hajnal]

02:14 PM on 09/01/2010

Meanwhile, in France, the jerks on each side of the table (SCNF management / cheminots unions) refused to negociate, and instead of suspending the strike for a few days to help transport the crowds of stranded travellers, making a nice profit in the process, enjoyed their little game of pointless arm-wrestling.

[Banjoplayer]

02:10 PM on 09/01/2010

With everything so close in Switzerland, why would even consider flying?

The Swiss rail system is excellent. Used the trains many times on the Zurich-Lucerne, Zurich-Bern and the Zurich Airport-Zurich HofBahn.

[chachachamp]

01:55 PM on 09/01/2010

Thank goodness for a well organized, efficient, and alternative means to the air travel system--but unfortunately America never "got on the train", high speed, low speed or any speed" for that matter. Hmm, I wonder--Warren Buffet invests heavily in US railroads--guess why-- $$

[Banjoplayer]

02:11 PM on 09/01/2010

Its freight, nothing to do with passenger service.

[chachachamp]

02:55 PM on 09/01/2010

Yes, I believe it was Burlington Northern--a major railroad freight mover--and I was amazed when I read an article about UPS using rail to move a lot of their trailers. Not long ago I came to a train stop and all I saw were the UPS rigs on car after car. My thoughts as far as "The Oracle from Omaha" in purchasing the railroad line were related to possible passenger as well as freight movements by rail in the future. It was my hope that America would wake up to the advantages of a modernized railroad system. Thanks for shedding some light on my post and making me aware that moving freight by railroad is an efficient way to move cargo.