Switzerland’s young socialists restart the debate on first class train seats

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Investec
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Recently, members of the young socialists raised the debate of the social inequalities associated with two ticket classes again while on trains travelling between Fribourg and Bern.

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They complain that at periods of peak demand second class carriages are overflowing, while first class ones often have space and spare seats.

Yvan Rime, co-president of the young socialists in Fribourg told RTS that space on trains should not be a privilege only for the rich. In addition, he says that two carriage classes creates a social barrier and prevents intermingling.

Up until 1956, Swiss trains were even more divided. Before then there were first, second and third classes.

While some second class passengers might relish extra seating and the chance to meet a Federal Council member, Switzerland’s equivalent of a cabinet member, they might not appreciate the rise in second ticket prices this would most likely bring if there were fewer high-paying first class travelers to defray a greater share of the costs.

More on this:
RTS article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now

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About Investec

Investec is a distinctive Specialist Bank and Asset Manager. We provide a diverse range of financial products and services to a niche client base in three principal markets, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia, as well as certain other geographies. Investec’s strategic goals are motivated by the desire to develop an efficient and integrated business on an international scale through the active pursuit of clearly established core competencies in the group’s principal business areas.

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