Old Swiss Rail Carriages Get a Second Life in Living Rooms

Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) is giving its aging VU IV train carriages a new lease on life before their final decommissioning at the end of 2030. These carriages, introduced in the early 1980s, are being dismantled with a focus on salvaging usable components.

The initiative embraces circular economy principles, aiming to reduce waste and find new purposes for the train's parts. Windows, seats, and lighting fixtures are among the items being recovered. Some components will be integrated into properties managed by CFF's real estate division.

Other parts will undergo "upcycling," a process where materials are transformed into new products of higher value. These upcycled items will be offered for sale to the public, allowing individuals to incorporate elements of the historic trains into their own spaces. This approach reflects a growing trend of sustainability in transportation and industry.