Swiss retain rail enthusiasm

The Swiss once again travelled further by train in 2010 than people in any other country, according to the public transport umbrella organisation Litra.

The average distance covered by each inhabitant was 2,258 kilometres, much further than their nearest rivals, the Japanese, who managed only 1,910 kilometres. Both were down on their 2009 figure: 2,291 and 1,995 respectively.

However, the average Japanese took 69 trains – down from 71, while the Swiss caught 50, which was one more than in 2009.

In Europe Switzerland’s closest rivals for distance were Denmark (1,322km) and France (1,320km).

Each year Litra collates figures for distance and trips taken, and the Swiss and Japanese regularly come out as the most enthusiastic rail users.

The figures are supplied only by rail companies which belong to the International Union of Railways. In Switzerland, they are Swiss Federal Railways and the private BLS line; other private lines which account for about 13 per cent of passenger traffic are not included.

In addition, the figures do not distinguish between residents and visitors.