Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – FAQ

What are the Media Office’s hours of operation?

The Media Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be reached by phone at +41 58 327 29 55 or by email.

Who can I contact with an urgent media inquiry outside of business hours?

Outside of business hours, members of the media can contact us via email and will then receive further instructions by email.

How quickly does BLS respond to media inquiries?

As a general rule, we strive to respond to your inquiry promptly and within the requested timeframe. For complex inquiries, we ask that you allow for reasonable timeframes so that we can coordinate internally and conduct the necessary clarifications. If the requested response time is not realistic, we will contact you in a timely manner.

How can I request an interview with a BLS expert?

Interview requests can be sent directly to the media office. We will review the request and, depending on the circumstances, will be happy to arrange a suitable interview partner.

Does BLS answer questions about BLS Schifffahrt or BLS Cargo?

Please direct inquiries regarding BLS Schifffahrt or BLS Cargo to the respective media office.

Is filming and photography permitted on trains and at stations?

This is generally permitted for editorial purposes. However, prior authorization is required. We reserve the right to charge a fee for commercial use of the footage and/or to bill for services rendered in the event of extensive coordination and supervision of the filming.

Can guided tours be arranged in the driver’s cab or at operational facilities?

For safety and operational reasons, such requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We require advance notice to make the necessary arrangements (scheduling of the train operator, escort, safety precautions, etc.).

Are political or commercial distribution campaigns allowed on trains?

Out of consideration for our passengers, we do not authorize distribution campaigns on our trains. In exceptional cases, product sampling in partnership with BLS is possible.

Are distribution campaigns permitted at train stations?

We are happy to review distribution campaigns at our stations on a case-by-case basis. Please submit a request well in advance. There is no guarantee that permission will be granted.

Where can I find official BLS images?

You’ll find a variety of files related to BLS AG in our media library. If you’re interested in additional specific images, videos, or logos, please contact the Media Relations Office.

Can the images be used freely?

Use is permitted in accordance with the published terms of use. Please note the respective copyright and source information.

Is there video footage available for media purposes?

Depending on the topic, BLS provides media professionals with images or video footage when sending out its press releases. For individual projects and events, we organize separate media events by invitation. For further requests, please contact the Media Relations Office.

Train Disruptions or Service Interruptions: Who Provides Information?

In the event of train disruptions or service interruptions, the media office of the responsible infrastructure operator is generally the first point of contact for media inquiries. This also applies if the disruption affects a train operated by another rail carrier. An overview can be found here.

In the event of accidents, please contact the media office of the relevant cantonal police department.

How does BLS provide information in the event of major service disruptions or incidents?

For the current service status or minor disruptions to rail operations, please consult our timetable.

If you have further questions, our media office will be happy to assist you.

How do I find out about last-minute press conferences?

Invitations are sent out via the media office and through the usual media distribution lists.

Where can I find the latest BLS press releases?

All current and archived press releases are available here.

Where can I find facts and figures about BLS?

The most important key financial figures and other interesting information can be found in our annual report.

Who are the contacts for specialized topics?

The Media Relations Office coordinates contact between media representatives and the relevant experts within BLS.

Where can I find information about construction projects?

You can find the most important information about construction projects on our network here.

Can the media access historical information and image archives?

Requests for historical documents or archival material can be submitted through the Media Relations Office or to our historical foundation, BLS Historic.

Does BLS provide information about individual customers or employees?

For reasons of data protection and privacy, BLS does not disclose information about individual persons.