As Switzerland prepares for potential heatwaves, the national railway operator is once again using its digital platforms to flag carriages lacking air conditioning.
With summer temperatures in Switzerland expected to climb significantly, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has reactivated a helpful feature in its digital timetable. From June 1st to September 30th, passengers can easily identify which train services lack air conditioning directly through the SBB app and website.
When a train is not equipped with air conditioning, a specific thermometer icon will appear alongside a notification. This transparency measure aims to help commuters plan their journeys during hot weather. According to SBB spokesperson Mara Zenhäusern, the feature has proven successful since its introduction in 2024, providing clarity for travelers.
While the feature is useful, passengers are unlikely to encounter such trains frequently. SBB data indicates that approximately 98 percent of their fleet is air-conditioned, with non-cooled carriages typically limited to older rolling stock. Currently, the network operates with around 9,100 air-conditioning units, ensuring that the vast majority of the Swiss rail network remains comfortable even as temperatures rise.
