Though we often think of table service on trains as the realm of first class and night trains, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has suggested that this is no longer the case. The public transport provider confirmed that, if conditions are right, their staff will provide in-your-seat service in second class.

SBB passenger reports catering service in second class

Our story starts early on January 9 when one passenger, Christian, was travelling from Bern to Zurich on IC1. Speaking to 20 Minuten, he said that as he was getting settled in the second-class cabin, he noticed an SBB employee rush past him carrying a tray of coffee, which he then served to passengers in second class.

Previously, it was assumed that only those in the first-class cabin were able to get seat catering service, with the rest having to go to the restaurant car for a refreshing drink or snack. In fact, the last time SBB second class got a direct food and drink service was the mobile catering trolleys, which were discontinued at the end of 2017 after 70 years of service.

Can second-class passengers on Swiss trains get food and drink delivered?

So was the table service in SBB second class a one-off? According to SBB spokesperson Sabrina Schellenberg, second-class passengers are able to get seat service on InterCity and Interregional services between Swiss cities, but only under certain circumstances.

"This is not provided for as standard - employees can decide on their own initiative whether they are able to provide this service," she noted. Therefore, if the train is not very full, all passengers in first class and the restaurant have been served, and the SBB train attendant is in a good mood, second class travellers should be able to get their cup of coffee without having to move an inch.