swiss rail note re 1st class
 

I've been traveling in Switz. for over 50 years (in the early days with a Eurailpass [1st class]), now with the aid of a 1/2 fare "card", I use 1st class day passes. For the first time, a week ago on two different trains, there were coaches labeled "1st class", each seat in addition had "1st class" on the head cushion. BUT, the seating arrangement was 2 + 2, not the usual 1 + 2, hence narrower seats. Have they gone over to "cost cutting"?
[Besides less crowding, one of the perks of 1st class is (or should be:)), wider seats (as well as more leg room).

Which kind of train was it exactly? InterCity, local Trains, SBB or a private rail company?

I've had this from time to time on SBB trains between ZRH and Basel.

In the Zürich metropolitan area the S-Bahn trains are typically 2+2. The long-haul trains are 1+2. Sometimes you will see that the S-Bahn train sets are being used for a long-haul route. This is generally announced as there is a train of a different configuration: 'In ein andere Formation', and the sign at the track will often say 'Erzsatzzug'.

I've not noticed if the online schedule notes if there is a substitution train, but I can imagine it does.

The newer 2+2 s-bahn train sets have been around as long as I have in Switzerland, over 10 years. But until recently I think they've been fairly limited to the Zürich and Basel areas.

2nd class seating apparently includes the stairs. ;) :eek: