Nobody Does Transportation Like The Swiss

In an exclusive with Augustman, Swiss Travel System CEO Maurus Lauber shares an inside look at the world's most reliable public transport network.

- SUFFIAN HAKIM

IF YOU WANT TO VISIT a museum that gives you some of the deepest insights into the modern world, I highly recommend Lucerne’s Verkehrshaus der Schweiz, or Swiss Museum of Transport. An exhibit there shows the evolution of Swiss transportation, which connects people and places over some of the most rugged terrain in the world. I was especially fascinated by how they’ve developed and kept improving mountain trains and cable cars, some of which reach the peaks of Europe’s highest mountains.

The Swiss have always been proud of their transportation systems. I would be, too, if I were Swiss. Their train rides — all of which are immaculately punctual — offer some of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen. There were azure lakes, verdant valleys, and magnificent snow-capped mountains. Those ads featuring Roger Federer and Trevor Noah for the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland do it some justice, but still doesn’t quite capture the full majesty of the experience. It was after one such awe-inspiring ride, through central Swizerland from Lucerne to Interlaken, that I felt the need to speak to the people behind Swiss transportation.

With some help from the Singaporean chapter of the Swiss Tourism Board, I was able to secure a conversation with Swiss Travel System CEO Maurus Lauber. Swiss Travel System is the voice of Swiss transportation to audiences outside of Switzerland. Their shareholders include Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Switzerland Tourism (ST), and five private railway companies.

And true to form, my 4pm (Singapore time) interview with Mr. Lauber began about two minutes ahead of schedule.

What’s the secret to Swiss transport punctuality?

This started more than 100 years ago. The Swiss population has been supporting public transport because they know that a functional, punctual system is important, and a reliable transport system will ensure that Switzerland works.