A survey confirms interest in a direct train service between Switzerland and London

The Swiss are overwhelmingly in favour of a direct train service to London. A survey confirms widespread support for this rail link, which is seen as essential for competing with air travel and reducing the impact on the climate.

The introduction of direct trains to the United Kingdom is generating considerable interest in Switzerland. A YouGov poll found that 58% of those surveyed are in favour, whilst only 8% are against. The survey, conducted amongst 1,048 people and published on Saturday, was commissioned by the organisations T&E, actif-trafiC and ATE.

Those surveyed favour flying because of its speed (79%). To encourage them to choose rail, lower fares (61%), direct connections (37%) and shorter journey times (37%) would be key factors.

The choice to travel by train is driven by its appeal (58%), its low environmental impact (55%) and the location of stations in city centres (45%). “By removing the stopover in Paris, the journey time between Geneva and London would be reduced from over seven hours to around five hours 30 minutes,” emphasised Victor Thévenet of the T&E association.

SBB has signed a memorandum of understanding with SNCF and Eurostar. Obstacles remain, and implementation is not expected until the 2030s.

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Translated from French, reviewed by an English Department journalist.