Servette vs. RTS Train Disruptions Lead to Cancellation of Special Services

FC Servette condemns Violence, Cancels Supporter Trains After Clan Clashes

July 31, 2024

Following a violent confrontation between rival supporter groups of FC Servette on Saturday in Geneva, teh club has issued a strong condemnation of the acts of violence. Servette FC announced Wednesday the immediate cancellation of all specially chartered train trips for supporters, a measure that will remain in effect “until further notice.”

The decision comes as the club implements several measures to address the escalating tensions. Security will be significantly increased at the entrance to the Geneva stadium. Additionally, one of the supporter groups involved will be relocated to a different section of the stadium.

According to FC Servette,this separation is intended to provide both ultras groups with a period for reflection and dialogue. The goal is to facilitate a collaborative effort to de-escalate the crisis and restore a peaceful environment.

Related: Recent Fight Between SFC Ultra Groups Highlights Ongoing Conflict

The cancellation of special train services affects supporters who rely on this transportation for away matches. The initial clash on Saturday occurred near one of these chartered trains.

FC Servette acknowledges the inconvenience this decision will cause,but emphasizes the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of all supporters. The club believes this is a necessary step to prevent further incidents.

Two Separate Fights erupted

Last Saturday’s altercation involved approximately one hundred individuals from the two ultras groups, the garnet section (SG) and the clearest (LPM). The fight took place on Rue de Carouge following Servette’s 1-4 defeat against St-Gall.

Underlying the violence are ongoing tensions related to territorial disputes between the groups. A similar incident occurred a week prior during the team’s away match against Young Boys in Bern.

this report is based on information originally aired on Radio and adapted for the web.

Football hooliganism remains a concern across Europe. Clubs are increasingly implementing measures to separate rival supporter groups and enhance security at matches. These efforts aim to create a safer environment for all fans and prevent further violence.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why were the supporter trains canceled? The trains were canceled to prioritize the safety of supporters following violent clashes between rival groups.
• How long will the train cancellations last? The cancellations are in effect “until further notice,” and the club will reassess the situation as it evolves.
• What is being done to address the conflict between the ultras groups? the club is separating the groups within the stadium and encouraging dialogue to resolve their differences.

What are your thoughts on FC Servette’s response? Share your comments below and let us know what you think!

What are the specific RTS train lines and the extent of their disruption due to the infrastructure damage?

Impact on Football Fans & Commuters

Today, August 6th, 2025, important disruptions to the RTS (Régie des Transports Sédunois) train network have forced the cancellation of special train services planned for fans attending the Servette football match. This impacts not only supporters heading to the stadium but also regular commuters relying on the RTS lines throughout the Vaud canton and into Geneva.The primary cause, according to RTS officials, is unexpected infrastructure damage discovered during routine overnight maintenance.

Details of the Service Cancellations

The following RTS services have been directly affected:

S1 line: Complete suspension between lausanne and Geneva Airport. Replacement bus services are extremely limited due to ongoing roadworks in several key areas.

S2 Line: Reduced frequency, with trains running only every 60 minutes. Significant delays are expected.

S3 Line: Partial cancellation of services between Palézieux and Yverdon-les-Bains.

Regional Trains: Several regional train connections relying on RTS infrastructure are experiencing cascading delays and potential cancellations. Check the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) website for the latest updates.

These cancellations directly affect access to the Servette stadium, leaving many fans scrambling for option transportation. The situation is particularly challenging for those traveling from outside geneva and Vaud.

Alternative Transportation Options

Given the widespread disruptions, here’s a breakdown of alternative travel options:

1. SBB (Swiss Federal Railways): While also experiencing some delays, SBB lines offer a potential, albeit potentially crowded, alternative. Check the SBB website (https://www.sbb.ch/en) for real-time facts and route planning.
2. TPG (Transports Publics Genevois): Geneva’s public transport network (buses,trams,and trolleybuses) is operating as usual,but expect increased congestion as more people opt for these services.
3. Car Sharing/Ride-Hailing: Services like Mobility Car Sharing and ride-hailing apps are experiencing high demand and surge pricing.Book well in advance if possible.
4. Cycling/Walking: For those within a reasonable distance, cycling or walking may be viable options, though consider the weather conditions.
5. PostAuto: Limited postauto routes may offer connections, but availability is restricted.

Servette Football Club response

Servette FC has released a statement acknowledging the transportation issues and advising fans to allow considerably extra travel time. They are working with local authorities to explore potential solutions, including coordinating with TPG to increase bus frequency to the stadium. The club is also encouraging fans to check the RTS and SBB websites for the latest updates before traveling. According to Soccerway (https://us.soccerway.com/teams/switzerland/servette/2176/), the match is still scheduled to proceed as planned, despite the travel difficulties.

RTS Repair Timeline & Future Prevention

RTS estimates that repairs to the damaged infrastructure will take at least 24-48 hours. They have launched a full inquiry to determine the cause of the damage and prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes a review of maintenance schedules and infrastructure inspection protocols.

Potential Causes of the Infrastructure Damage

While the exact cause is still under investigation,preliminary reports suggest the damage may be related to:

Ground Movement: Recent heavy rainfall could have contributed to ground movement affecting the railway tracks.

Wear and Tear: Aging infrastructure may be reaching the end of its lifespan,requiring more frequent and extensive maintenance.

* External factors: Vandalism or accidental damage cannot be ruled out at this stage.

Commuter Impact & Long-Term solutions

The disruption extends beyond football fans, significantly impacting daily commuters. The RTS is advising commuters to work from home if possible or explore alternative routes. Long-term solutions being considered include increased investment in infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of more robust contingency plans for service disruptions. The Vaud canton government has pledged to review the RTS funding model to ensure adequate resources are available for maintenance and modernization.