The Schnellfahrstrecke Bern–Rothrist refers specifically to the Mattstetten–Rothrist section, which is a fully dedicated high-speed line in Switzerland and one of the most advanced parts of the national rail network. It officially opened in December 2004 as part of the Bahn 2000 Phase 1 infrastructure upgrade and plays a crucial role in cutting journey times between Bern, Zurich, and Basel. The line itself is approximately 52 kilometers long, forming a key link between Mattstetten (just outside Bern) and Rothrist, where it merges into existing conventional lines. It is double-tracked, electrified with the standard Swiss 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC overhead system, and built for a maximum operational speed of 200 km/h. A feature of the Schnellfahrstrecke Bern - Rothrist or the Mattstetten–Rothrist line (what the route also called) is its use of ETCS Level 2 (European Train Control System), making it one of the first lines in the world to be operated entirely with this in-cab digital signaling system. There are no traditional lineside signals on the high-speed section. This makes train operations entirely dependent on cab signaling, speed supervision, and system monitoring — a significant gameplay shift if introduced into TSW5. The line is used primarily by SBB InterCity (IC) and InterRegio (IR) services. Common rolling stock includes the RABDe 500 (ICN) tilting trains, capable of 200 km/h and specifically designed to handle curves on both high-speed and conventional lines. The RABe 503 (Astoro/ETR 610) also operates on this corridor, especially on services heading toward Italy. Both train types are fully compatible with ETCS Level 2 also the route includes the RABe 502 and other freight trains but I'll cover it up later. The route includes major infrastructure elements like the Grauholztunnel (just northeast of Bern), which is around 6 km long, and other civil engineering works including flyovers and carefully graded curves for uninterrupted high-speed travel. The line does not stop between Mattstetten and Rothrist — it is a pure through-route designed to bypass slower, busier traditional sections. Bern Hauptbahnhof, the departure point just beyond Mattstetten, is a major hub with a complex layout of surface and underground platforms and a very high volume of passenger movements. At the other end, Rothrist connects to Olten and onward to the Gotthard and Jura lines, giving the route major strategic value in the Swiss rail network. Scenery along the line consists of flat plains, open countryside, and some lightly forested areas, representative of the Mittelland region of Switzerland — not mountainous, but still distinctly Swiss in appearance. To be clear: the high-speed section is between Mattstetten and Rothrist. Bern–Mattstetten is not part of the high-speed line but is important operationally and could be included in a full route build for service realism. This route would bring true high-speed rail, authentic ETCS-only driving, and modern Swiss rolling stock into Train Sim World 5. Its clean infrastructure, realistic timetable potential, and significance in European rail transport make it a strong and accurate candidate for the game. Most likely the route would be set in 2017?, probably when the RABe 502 was built. Route Map Sorry if Rothrist isn't on the map, couldn't find it Main, Principle Stations on the Schnellfahrstrecke Bern–Rothrist Bern Hauptbahnhof - As the capital of Switzerland, Bern Hauptbahnhof is a key station and a major hub in the Swiss rail network. Although it is not part of the high-speed line itself (the high-speed section starts at Mattstetten), Bern Hauptbahnhof serves as the origin for trains on the Schnellfahrstrecke, with high-speed services connecting to Mattstetten. The station is large and complex, with multiple levels of platforms, serving both long-distance and regional services. The station is crucial for both commuter and long-distance traffic, offering connections to cities like Zurich, Basel, and Geneva. Rothrist- The final station on the high-speed section, Rothrist, is a key interchange point located where the Schnellfahrstrecke connects with other major routes like the Gotthard and Jura lines. Rothrist itself is a smaller town but plays a vital role in the Swiss rail network, connecting travelers to other regional services toward Zurich, Basel, and other destinations in the Swiss Mittelland region. Here's a list of the stations on the route only featuring 7 stations Bern Bern Wyler Bern Wankdorf Rogwill Wynau Murgenthau Rothrist GB Rothrist Also for the future I would like the route to be extended to Olten InterRegio (IR) services will go through Rogwill Wynau to Rothrist SBB InterCity services will go directly to Rothrist going past Rogwill Wynau Rolling Stock SBB InterCity services RABDe 500 RABDe 503 SBB InterRegio services RABDe 502 RABe 521 Re 482 Freight & passenger depots Passenger Depots: Bern Weissenbühl Depot (SBB) Located just southwest of Bern’s main station, this major depot handles maintenance and storage for a variety of passenger trains, including ICN (RABDe 500) and other InterCity and InterRegio units. It's a critical facility for trains terminating or passing through Bern, especially those using the high-speed corridor. Olten Depot (SBB Depot Olten) + only for extension to Olten Near the eastern end of the line, the Olten depot serves as a strategic hub for passenger train servicing. It handles locomotive-hauled stock like Re 460s with EW I/II coaches, RABe 502, and other EMUs. Its proximity to both conventional and high-speed lines makes it a key location for preparing trains entering the Schnellfahrstrecke. Zollikofen Sidings Near the junction where the line connects to Bern, these sidings are used for stabling and light servicing of trains, particularly IC and IR sets awaiting their next runs. Freight Depots and Yards: Limmattal Marshalling Yard (via Rothrist-Olten access) + only for AI Traffic Although not on the line itself, this is Switzerland’s main freight hub and is closely connected to the Mattstetten–Rothrist corridor through the Olten gateway. Freight trains running via the high-speed bypass use this link to connect to the national and international freight network. SBB Cargo Facilities in Olten The Olten area hosts SBB Cargo freight handling and staging facilities, which are connected to the high-speed line via feeder lines. It serves as a key handover point for domestic and cross-border freight services running on the line. Bern-Wankdorf Freight Terminal Located northeast of Bern, Bern-Wankdorf includes freight facilities and sidings that link to the Mattstetten–Rothrist line. This terminal is involved in local and regional freight distribution and wagon sorting. Freight Wagons on the route Sgnss Shimms Eaos Zacns Hbblins / Hbblins wagons Laags and EW/ II wagons? (don't know how to pronounce them) Mastery Rewards Tier 1 Schnellfahrstrecke Bern - Rothrist Decals + also includes SBB text font and logo Tier 2 SBB Re 420 + freight Wagons Scenarios & Timetables RABDe 500 Scenario/ Timetable 1 Difficulty 1/4 Time: depends Trains included: RABDe 500 You start at Bern Station take passengers non stop to Rothrist and then you finish the route there. RABe 503 Scenario/ Timetable 1 Difficulty: 3/4 Time: depends Trains included RABe 503 You start at Rothrist station and you take passengers to Bern but one problem, there's HEAVY TRAFFIC towards Bern all due to a Re 482 being very slow with the cargo it's hauling you have to wait for a very long time and then the traffic clears and you make your way to bern RABe 502 Scenario/ Timetable 1 Difficulty: 3/4 Time: depends Trains included: RABe 502 You start at Rothrist and your assigned to test the brand new RABe 502, you make you way to Rothrist making 7 stops (not loading passengers) to Rothrist and then back to Bern. RABe 521 Scenario/ Timetable 1 Difficulty: 4/4 Time: depends Trains included: RABe 521 You start at Bern Station and make your way to Rothrist but on the route you face a series of problems first you have to deal with runaway cowas blocking the rail and then you wait for a long time for the runaway cows to clear then you make you way to Rothrist but oh no look like an freight wagon tipped over and piles of logs spilled now you have to carry them and move them aside but oh no looks like that there has been a train derailment at Rothrist so you end the service at Rothrist GB Re 482 Scenario/ Timetable 1 Difficulty: 1/4 Time: depends Trains included: Re 482 You start at Bern Wankdorf freight terminal and you take a couple of wagons to a depot and then uncouple the wagons and then you end the service there. AI Layers Luzern - Sursee RABe 523 Arosalinie Ge 4/4 II redesigned in SBB Cargo livery for freight services Kinzigtalbahn: Frankfurt - Fulda DB BR 193 Vectron redesigned in SBB livery variants Why DTG should consider this route to come to TSW5 The Mattstetten–Rothrist section of the Bern–Olten corridor represents a perfect balance between high-speed precision and operational depth. It’s not just a fast line — it’s a fully modernized, cab-signalling-driven, ETCS Level 2 route that demands concentration, timing, and knowledge of in-cab systems, giving players a unique and immersive challenge unlike anything else currently in TSW5. What sets this route apart is its diversity of gameplay. You’re not just running express services at 200 km/h — you're managing InterCity and InterRegio services that weave between freight movements, all under the guidance of in-cab signalling with no lineside support. That makes for some genuinely focused driving, especially when threading between slower freight and navigating complex junctions at each end of the route. This mix of long-distance passenger runs and time-sensitive freight creates an exciting, living timetable experience. The rolling stock adds even more depth: from the RABe 502 (Twindexx Swiss Express) to the ICN and Re 460-hauled (passenger) services also put as a separate add on) plus freight work with Re 482s, Re 420s (re 420s as a mastery challenge reward), and modern electrics like the Vectron ( AI Layers) — all of which regularly use this corridor. Each of these offers its own handling characteristics and duties, creating variety and replayability from day one. Even within a realistic route length, this line manages to feel like a complete experience — not just visually, but operationally. It’s fast, busy, modern, and full of real-world railway innovation. For players who want something beyond just pretty views, this route delivers gameplay-first driving: mastering ETCS, sticking to strict timetables, and managing dense mixed-traffic operations. For Train Sim World 5, this route isn’t just a good candidate — it’s a natural evolution. It gives players something new to learn, new systems to master, and a highly engaging gameplay loop that reflects how modern railways actually run today. It’s focused, immersive, and grounded in real-world complexity — and that’s exactly the kind of route that deserves a place in TSW.
The BR 193 SBB variants and the Re 482, I couldn't provide images of the locos but hopefully I'll do it when I can but at least DTG should still consider this route come to TSW5 or the future.
Hello trainfan#6965 I am also a Swiss, and I also wish that DTG or other 3dParty groups would build a Swiss track. And I even work in the Limmattal marshalling yard, as a shunting engine driver. But unfortunately SBB no longer issues licences. Especially not for locomotives, where you could replicate the entire upgrading and dismantling process in real life. This is because SBB no longer grants licences to games developers.
Ok, I get it but the rolling Stock can be unbranded if SBB isn't doing licensing anymore, but it is looking obvious the previous SBB licensing expired from the Luzern - Sursee route could have probably expired idk but it could have probably happened to SNCF since SNCF probably want be doing licensing again.
modern traction, nice trains, and the promise of ETCS hanging in the air... oh man ... I would love for the game to have ETCS on different levels, but who knows if it ever gets done... hopefully someday... cos ETCS is the future
