Friborg Public Transport (TPF) is preparing to experience the biggest timetable change in its history. More than half of the lines, or 60%, will be affected by the 2025 timetable.
The development of the 2025 timetable, which comes into force next Sunday and which has been talked about for two years, was “greatly complex, with very tight deadlines”, explained Serge Collaud, the general director of the group.
The overhaul of the timetable for Western Switzerland has led to a complete modification of the regional lines. Thanks to the commitment of the transport company and the sponsors (Federal Office of Transport, canton, agglomeration and mobul), in consultation with other transport entities, the offer has been generally improved.
Fribourg-Neuchâtel every half hour
Among the main improvements, we can mention a connection every half hour without change between Friborg and Neuchâtel. A way to strengthen the links between the two cantons, underline the TPF. A new local traffic offer between Romont and Billens will be created, namely the extension of line 479.
There is also the creation of four regional bus lines: Berlens-Romont, Châtel-Saint-Denis-Palézieux, in connection with the main line trains IR15, La Verrerie-Saint-Martin-Châtel-Saint-Denis and Domdidier-Dompierre -Russy-Lcales (-Chandon).
-Valais without passing through Lausanne
Furthermore, Friborg will be connected to Vevey-Montreux and Valais without passing through Lausanne via the Vevey-Puidoux train (“vine train”) which goes up to Palézieux (VD). In addition to the IR15 main line train, Romont will now also be connected to Lausanne with a new regional product running every half hour.
Finally, Bulle will be connected three times per hour to Lausanne (once via Romont and twice via Palézieux) and Morat connected to Bern twice per hour without change. By domino effect, most regional lines are impacted, in all districts, except Singine. In addition, 18 lines are seeing their itineraries evolve.
“Faced with so many changes, consulting timetables online is essential to find your way easily,” warned Serge Collaud. In fact, almost 60% of the lines are affected by modifications: this ranges from timetable adaptation to the creation of lines.
