Incident overview
Late Monday afternoon, a technical fault forced Lausanne’s M2 to halt between the stations of Ouchy and Bessières, just as the city was gearing up for the evening rush. The disruption left thousands of passengers stranded or delayed as trains stopped running on this busy section of the M2 line. Local transit operators activated contingency plans to keep people moving while technicians investigated the cause of the fault and worked toward restoring services.
How the disruption unfolded
With the rail section unable to carry trains, the public transport authority announced a service interruption along the affected stretch. To maintain connections between Ouchy and Bessières, replacement buses were deployed to shuttle passengers along the corridor. Officials stressed that the buses were a temporary measure designed to minimize disruption while engineers diagnose and fix the issue. Commuters were advised to monitor official channels for real time updates and platform announcements at their stations.
Impact on commuters
The timing of the outage coincided with peak travel hours, amplifying delays for workers, students, and visitors heading into central Lausanne. Crowding on replacement buses was reported as passengers sought alternative routes, with some opting to combine bus trips with trams or other buses to reach their destinations. The interruption also caused knock-on effects for downstream connections, as delays on the M2 supply chain could shift congestion to surrounding transit services. Travelers were urged to stay calm and plan for longer travel times until service resumes.
What to expect in the coming hours
Transit officials indicated that service would gradually return to normal as technicians identified and resolved the fault. In the interim, replacement buses were set to operate with increased frequency during the rush period, while station staff provided guidance to passengers. It is expected that full restoration could take several hours, depending on the complexity of the fault and the time required for safety checks once repairs are completed.
Tips for travelers
- Check live service updates before departure through the official transit app or website.
- Plan for potential delays and consider traveling outside peak times if possible.
- Use replacement buses as directed by station staff and monitor announcements for changes in routes or timing.
- If you have accessibility needs, allow extra time and seek assistance at staffed stations during the disruption.
Staying informed
Officials say they will provide regular updates as technicians work to restore full service on the M2 line. For the latest information, follow the public transport operator from Lausanne and local news outlets covering public transportation in the region. Updates will likely include expected restoration times and any changes to the bus shuttle routes serving the Ouchy and Bessières area.