The Furka-Bergstrecke steam railway (DFB) is facing huge challenges in several areas this year.
 
Winter has left behind more snow and scree than ever before.
 
In addition, the DFB AG wants to make a clean sweep of its financial situation this year and reports a loss of almost 600,000 francs for 2023.
 
This year, the DFB AG has therefore set itself the goal of stabilising its financial situation with decisive measures, as it writes in a press release.
 
The outflow of cash and cash equivalents was in line with the previous year, which underlines the need to take effective measures to stabilise the financial situation.
 
Revenues from rail operations, souvenir sales, and gastronomy, as well as passenger numbers, were maintained in 2023.
 
In certain areas, increases have even been achieved.
 
Nevertheless, the revenue side is still well below the level of the pre-Corona period.
 
On 55 days of operation last year, 24,643 people were transported by steam or diesel trains.
 
This is around 200 passengers more than in the previous year, although the season was eight days shorter due to major construction work.
 
These eight days and the cancellation of some charter trains led to a minus in revenues.
 
Increased Costs for the Railway
 
On the expenditure side, special circumstances led to higher burdens on the operating result.
 
On the one hand, these were the expenses for securing railway operations as well as the legal requirements and the associated guidelines for railways to prove the maintenance of rolling stock and facilities.
 
For the latter, it was necessary to call in external experts.
 
On the other hand, the increased energy costs for coal, diesel, and electricity as well as the general increase in costs weighed heavily on the bill of the railway company.
 
In recent years, the negative operating results have often been offset by the release of existing provisions.
 
However, the board of directors and the management of DFB AG decided this spring not to take this step, although provisions of 300,000 francs still exist.
 
In the current year, the legal requirements will again place a heavy burden on the DFB's bill.
 
According to the press release, all committees, and those responsible for the railway, are doing everything they can to ensure a sustainable future for the steam railway with a revised and adapted strategy.
 
This goal could only be achieved through special efforts and close cooperation of all friends and admirers of the steam railway.
 
The year 2024 will be crucial for DFB AG to clear up the legacy issues regarding finances.
 
The financial situation requires clear measures.
 
Season is Two Weeks Longer
 
During the snow removal and winterization, the 48 volunteers had to contend with above-average amounts of snow and many avalanches on the railway facilities this year.
 
Due to the large amount of debris and soil in the meter-high avalanche cones, snow removal was difficult and challenging this year.
 
The steam train season starts on 20 Jun 2024 and lasts until 29 Sep 2024.
 
It is two weeks longer this year than in 2023.
 
Due to urgent construction work, the steam trains will only run between Realp and Gletsch until and including 28 Jun 2024.
 
Between Gletsch and Oberwald, passengers will be transported by bus.
 
Author unknown.