Swiss Federal Railway managers are prowling the platforms at a number of stations, looking for people who would like a chance to drive a locomotive simulator—a railfan’s dream.
They’re hoping enough candidates sign on not only to the simulator but to applications for training and jobs with SBB, which is finding itself way short of train drivers and conductors. About 30 trains a day have to be either cancelled or operate with crews on long overtime. The training lasts 14-16 months. SBB’s website points out that “During this period, you will be employed by SBB and receive a wage.” SBB wants to hire 1,000 new drivers by 2025.
Despite Switzerland’s reputation for precision, its rail system has been under heavy criticism for several years, with complaints about late trains, crowded cars, cancellations and even a policy of occasionally skipping stations to make up time, a practice they have promised to stop.
