Important for passengers, but invisible

Functioning air conditioning, safe arrival and trains that run on time. Conveniences that are a matter of course for passengers. Luca Della Ca and his colleagues work in the background every day to ensure this level of convenience.

Domenica Herzog, Corporate Communications trainee, 28. June 2022

The coffee machine in the dining car stops. The drawers in the kitchen no longer close properly. The tap in the toilet drips. Luca Della Ca, Sisto Lanfranchi and Valerio Caspani, inspectors in St. Moritz, are always on hand. “Gifted craftsmanship and a flair for trying things out and tinkering is certainly an advantage,” says Valerio. “We are specialists in many things and know something about everything.”

Sisto macht ein Update. Diese müssen regelmässig durchgeführt werden.

The freight shed at the railway station on platform 1 is their hub. Workbench, spare parts warehouse and computer. Everything they need for their day-to-day work is kept here. 

In St. Moritz, the morning usually begins with checking the railworthiness of the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. Inspectors walk along both sides of the train and check the various seals and hoses connecting the carriages. They then walk through the entire train, open all the doors, check the toilets are working and communicate with the train driver via radio. Depending on the age of the train, the checkpoints and the number of faults the inspectors have to rectify vary. For example, every three months the filters in the train ceiling, which collect dust particles, are replaced on the trains and the batteries of the engines are refilled with distilled water. The more often a train is used, the more the batteries need to be checked and refilled.

Inspectors work shifts seven days a week, 365 days a year. They are also called wagon masters and are responsible for the operational safety and railworthiness of passenger trains as well as railway goods transport. They are also the last person to check the train again before it departs. Inspectors work closely with the locomotive and shunting personnel. There's a sense of togetherness and they help each other wherever they can. Working in the fresh air, being in contact with different people and helping each other are attributes that play a major and also important role in day-to-day work. The focus is always on the safety and comfort of passengers.

Sisto und Valerio nehmen mich mit auf ihren Kontrollrundgang.

1 Comments

Ivan J. Miggs 30.05.2023

Around 17:00, the connection from Chur to Disentis offers a sauna service in each wagon. At the end of the trip you will feel that you've been cooked in your own juices. 5 stars.

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