17. February 2026

Record punctuality at SBB – and why laboratory samples travel better by rail than stuck in traffic

Michael Hauenstein Autor: Michael Hauenstein
Kategorie: Expresslogistik, Nachhaltigkeit

Reliable transport of laboratory samples is essential for medical institutions. Since 1999, swissconnect ag has relied on the Swiss railway network for express transport — and today’s data shows more clearly than ever: Switzerland’s rail system is unbeatable in terms of predictability, speed and reliability.

SBB achieves record punctuality

In 2025, SBB reached a new peak: 94.1% punctuality in passenger transport. Even major events, more than 1,600 additional trains and extensive construction work did not disrupt the system’s stability. For internal laboratory processes that depend on precise delivery times, this is a significant advantage. A passenger train operated by SBB is considered late once it arrives three minutes after schedule.

Meanwhile, traffic congestion on Swiss roads is soaring

While rail becomes more reliable, congestion hours on Swiss roads continue to rise year after year. In 2024, the national road network recorded 55,569 hours of traffic jams — an increase of 14% compared to the previous year. The main cause is growing traffic overload, now accounting for nearly 49,000 hours. This trend is especially problematic for laboratory samples transported by road:

- planning reliability decreases sharply,

- transport times get longer,

- road transport becomes not only less punctual but also significantly more expensive.

- doctors wait longer for results, because samples lose valuable time in traffic before they can be analysed.

Transporting laboratory samples with swissconnect

Why rail is clearly superior for transporting laboratory samples

For laboratories, reliability is key — and rail delivers:

- No traffic jams, no unpredictable fluctuations

- High, measurable punctuality instead of random delays

- Predictable transit times, even within tight schedules

- Low‑emission transport solutions

- Stable costs, unaffected by congestion surcharges

Anyone who needs laboratory samples delivered on time relies on swissconnect ag’s unique transport solution.

Michael Hauenstein
Would you like to receive your laboratory samples on time in future?

Please contact me. Whether by telephone, email or in person – I am here for you.

Michael Hauenstein
Member of the Executive Board, Head of Marketing & Sales
041 244 20 05
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