Transports Publics du Chablais

In the interests of the communities in the Chablais region, at the eastern end of Lake Geneva, it was decided in 1999, to bring together passenger transport companies, to co-ordinate and develop services and investment in transport in the area. This new grouping became known as Transports Publics du Chablais SA (TPC).

Formation

The TPC was formed as a result of the 1999 merger of four railway companies: Aigle - Leysin; Aigle-Ollon-Monthey-Champéry; Aigle-Sépey-Diablerets and Bex - Villars - Bretaye. The merger evolved from the TPC Operating Community created in 1975 in the interest of the four railways. The TPC has also developed its bus lines by operating several of these at the request of local authorities: Tonkin bus service (Aigle - Vionnaz - St. Gingolph), Aigle -Villeneuve bus service as part of the Réseau Express Vaudois commuter system, municipal bus service in Aigle, and the Bex - Monthey bus line in partnership with CarPostal Suisse.

Investment

The investments are significant and constitute a major burden for some of the local communities but with the stringent management methods imposed by the 1996 Railway Reform Act, applicable to all concession transport companies, TPC is responsible for staying within the budget negotiated with the cantonal and federal authorities. However the company still continues to receive the support in recognition of the value of an attractive public transport system.

Future key projects involve a complete rebuild of Aigle's Place de la Gare in close partnership with the local authority and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF). The project includes the construction of AOMC track alongside CFF track towards the new TPC depot and workshops at En Châlex. There are also plans, awaiting approval, for the extension of the Aigle-Leysin line. If this can be extended to the Berneuse passengers will be able to travel, without transfers, to a site considered to be of exceptional scenic beauty with breathtaking views of the Alps, Jura and Lake Geneva. This project is an investment designed to benefit the entire region and offer a boost to tourism, its No. 1 industry.

Landslip Problems

Following research into landslip problems it has been decided that, in order to carry out urgent work, the Aigle - Sepey - Diablerets line must close for one week over the Christmas and New Year period 2006/7 and for a month from 27th March 2007, following the end of the high season for tourists, the largest users of the line. This is not a new problem for the line which needs work to stabilise the surrounding soil and rock, much of which is covered in coniferous forest. The work is to be carried out in four stages, the initial work being to erect just over 150m. of mesh barrier to prevent falling rock reaching the line and offer protection to those who will work on later stages when supporting walls will be completed. The total cost, seen as an investment by the Transport Public Chablais, will be CHF 1.5 million (£675,000). The line should be fully reopened for traffic from the end of April 2007.