SBB Forcibly Pushes Passengers Out of Train Doors Due to Zurich to Lausanne Overcrowding

Text A train traveling from Zurich to Lausanne on May 25, 2026, was reportedly so overcrowded that passengers were denied boarding by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), according to a report by 20 Minuten. The incident, shared on a Google Alert, highlights ongoing concerns about capacity and service quality on SBB routes. The report states that SBB staff reportedly “set passengers outside the train doors” due to “overbooking,” a practice that has drawn criticism from travelers. While no official statement from SBB has been publicly released as of this writing, the incident aligns with broader complaints about overcrowding on Swiss rail networks, particularly during peak travel times. Overcrowding has been a recurring issue for SBB, with users on platforms like Reddit describing challenges such as “shortened trains” and “uncomfortable travel conditions.” These accounts, though unverified, suggest systemic pressures on SBB’s infrastructure, potentially exacerbated by increased demand or operational constraints. The Swiss Federal Railways, which operates passenger and freight services across Switzerland, has faced scrutiny over its ability to manage passenger flow. According to its 2024 annual report, SBB serves over 35,000 employees and manages a vast network of 3,230 kilometers of track. However, the company has not yet commented on the specific incident in Zurich to Lausanne. Travelers and advocacy groups have long called for improved capacity planning and transparency. A 2025 Reddit post noted that SBB’s “habit of only using shortened trains” between 9:05 a.m. And 4:55 p.m. Contributes to congestion,