Saver Day Pass 1st class seat reservations not available online

[smithycbr]

Hi 

On 29 Oct 2022 I will travel from Zurich HB to Zermatt (11:53 to 15:51)  in 1st class (purchased saver day pass). Seat reservation is only showing for the second leg (Bern to Visp) and I know 3rd leg reservation not required. Question: for Zurich HB to Bern InterRegio 2366 its not allowing me to book a seat reservation. Given the construction work Between Bern and Olten  has closed many other services on this weekend - Will I be guaranteed a seat on this train without a seat reservation?  Thankyou 

[smithycbr]

Thanks for the information - but the only option I have is the one I flagged as the online timetable has been changed due to the following advice;

Between Bern and Olten, construction work is in progress.
Please allow for cancellations as well as changed journey times and changed connections.
Due: construction work
Duration from 28.10.2022 21:00 until 31.10.2022 05:55.
The online timetable has been adapted.

I need to travel on 29/10/2022 as I have reservations from that day in Zermatt.

the 12.04 train you refer to shows going via Bern - so will not operate due to above contruction - same as the 12:32 (also via Bern)?

Thanks 

[RolandP · Accepted solution]

IR trains do not offer seat reservation, only IC/EC/ICE, and PE trains.

Please note: in Switzerland, train tickets never include neither a seat reservation nor a guaranteed seat. All you pay is for the transportation from A to B to C.

In Switzerland, trains are mass transit like suburban trains elsewhere: you buy a ticket, you get on the next train and take a free seat. In the unlikely event the train is fully booked, you might have to stand in the aisle or on platforms.

If you want to reserve a seat, take the IC1at 12:04 or, even better, the IC8 at 12:32 direct to Visp without change of trains in Bern.

[RolandP]

I do understand your concerns. However, there is no reason to be concerned.

You probably misinterpreted the information. The train services I suggested are not cancelled. They will run and simply bypass the construction site, the timetable has been adapted accordingly. Had the train been cancelled you would have seen a red X. IC8 and IC1 are major train lines in our country, kind of the lifeblood of the train network, they will not be cancelled whenever possible, or as "ultima ratio".