New S-Bahn connection: commuting between Vorarlberg and Eastern Switzerland

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Von: WOM

In a significant step towards improving public transport between Vorarlberg and Eastern Switzerland, the governments of both regions have presented plans for a new S-Bahn line. In the future, commuters will promote commuters on the route from Bregenz via St.Gallen to Weinfelden and challenge the current transport that often requires bypasses.

At the moment, numerous people commute between Vorarlberg and Eastern Switzerland every day, but existing connections are often a challenge. In particular, the Lake Constance S7 is geared towards tourist trips and only offers a limited timetable during the week. A transfer connection in St.Margrethen has so far been necessary if travelers want to go from Bregenz to Weinfelden or St.Gallen. This current situation is now to be significantly improved by the intended innovation.

Two S-Bahn lines are connected

It is planned to link the S5 of Thurbo, which currently run from Weinfelden via St.Gallen to St.Margrethen, to link to the S3 of the ÖBB from Bregenz to St.Margrethen. The goal is a continuous connection that serves numerous stops and enables a seamless journey for commuters. The new trains are operated by Thurbo.

Originally, this new line was to be put into operation at the end of 2025, but technical difficulties and the capacity at Bregenz station have led to a delay. Beat Tinner, the head of economics in St.Gallen, noted that the political will to support the project was present, but the main reason for the shift in the limited track capacities of ÖBB.

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Now a new start date is sought for the end of 2026, which was confirmed by Christian Baumgartner, the market manager of Thurbo AG. He sees great potential in the connection, especially for the employees of the St.Gallen Cantonal Hospital, which commute from Vorarlberg.

preparations and infrastructure

The final preparations for the new S-Bahn are finally necessary by the end of May 2025 before it can start operating in 2026. The financing is divided between Switzerland and Austria, whereby Tinner does not see any major hurdles in this regard.

In addition to the new line, eleven trains of the Stadler GTW type have to be retrofitted for use on the Austrian rail network. The ÖBB local leaders who operate these trains on the Vorarlberg section also need training.

"The original schedule was quite ambitious", said the ÖBB on request and confirmed that the turning times at Bregenz station were demanding due to capacity reasons. Alternative solutions are currently being checked to enable the binding.

An important detail was also the future of the existing S7, which in future should drive beyond Lindau-Reutin to the Lindau Island, which is particularly advantageous for tourists. This additional connection is already planned for the weekends in December.

summarized can be said that the governments of St.Gallen, Vorarlberg and Liechtenstein have clearly pronounced the desire for better, cross -border public transport. In a joint explanation, you clarify that it is necessary to improve the rail infrastructure in the border region. The focus is on capacity in the Bregenz train station in particular, and you want to search for solutions together with national partners.

The entire project shows how important a well -functioning public transport infrastructure is for everyday life of commuters, and that those responsible work to master the current challenges. The progress regarding the new S-Bahn line between Vorarlberg and Eastern Switzerland are of central importance within the traffic planning of the regions and could bring decisive improvements in the future.