Lake Geneva region, Switzerland (Le Temps, Fre) – A third rail line to ease traffic between Lausanne and Geneva was on all minds during festivities Wednesday to celebrate 150 years of rail service between the two cities. Politicians and CFF rail company officials visited a 1947 locomotive and enjoyed a ride in rail cars dating to 1952 but it was the future that kept them talking. Andreas Mayer, CFF director, said that with a 10% increase in passenger traffic in the first seven months of the year, well above the national average increase of 6%, he understands the interest of people in the region for expanded rail service. He noted that he was also impressed by the growing number of large international companies moving to the region.

The CFF handles 48,000 passengers a day between Geneva and Lausanne.