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Results press conference of 2nd April 2008
You’re in safe hands. We’ll get you there.
In times of crisis and uncertainty, we look for stable values that can offer us an anchor in a changing world. We value institutions with staying power, with standards and characteristics that reflect dependability, and milestones that help us relate to what’s happening. SBB is one of the things about Switzerland you know you can rely on – and much more. SBB represents the Switzerland we all know, with its linguistic and cultural diversity, and the key characteristics that provide the foundation for its economic success: safety, cleanliness, punctuality, efficiency, innovation. This is how we see Switzerland, and how we see SBB. It is part of our national identity. We should therefore make the most of the opportunities it offers to our customers, our companies, and our country.
In 2008, passenger numbers rose yet again to 322.6 million – 5.2 % more than in the previous year. Every day, some 900,000 people choose the comfort and convenience of rail travel to work, to school, or to visit friends. More people use the train in Switzerland than in any other country in the world. We are of course delighted that this is the case and it is certainly a fine testimonial to the commitment of our 27,822 employees.
SBB and the entire public transport network contribute enormously to making Switzerland a desirable place in which to work and do business, not to mention an attractive leisure region and a fascinating tourist destination.
SBB enjoys a high level of customer confidence based on the expectation of high-quality customer service. One of the great challenges facing SBB is to maintain and improve this quality on a rail network that is now reaching the limits of its capacity – a result of the gratifying increase in demand we have experienced over the past few years. Safe, clean, punctual, Swiss. This is the daily challenge SBB must meet on behalf of its customers. Seat availability and customer information on service delays are still not satisfactory and they still inconvenience our customers more often than we would like. We have not yet achieved all our objectives. But we are trying hard to be even better.
In 2009, we intend to introduce measures to secure the Swiss rail network’s operational capabilities for the future. These include a one billion franc investment in rolling stock, and the speedy release of public sector funds for the expansion of our transport infrastructure.
That is quite a lot already, but it is not everything. Our customers expect more. They want to feel they are in good hands. They want to be confident they will arrive safely and punctually at their destination. That is our mission. Wherever you feel at home – that’s where you’ll find SBB.
Thank you for your confidence and support. It makes us all the more determined to do our very best to deal with the challenges that the current economic situation has created. We look forward to a successful future – for our customers, and for you.
