Jura–Simplon Railways

The Federal Government also participated in the merger by means of a voluntary share purchase.

Studies prepared to support the construction of the tunnel had already been submitted by the SOS to the federal and cantonal authorities.

In 1891, JS, as a new entrepreneurial railway company, presented the Federal Council with a definitive project for the Simplon Tunnel.

On 25 November 1895, a treaty was signed with Italy for the construction of what would be the longest tunnel in the world.

The railway bridge over the Birs, which was built by Gustave Eiffel, collapsed below the village of Münchenstein under a train from Basel.

[5][6] Despite investing in the construction of the Simplon tunnel, JS was able to pay a dividend every year.

The route network of 937 km ran from Basel, Geneva and the Jura border crossings of Delle, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Les Verrières and Vallorbe to Brig and Lucerne.

In addition, the narrow-gauge Brünig Railway from Lucerne to Brienz was part of the 937 km-long route network.

Eb 2/4 No. 13 at a water crane . The wagon in the background still bears the inscription: S.O.S. ( Suisse-Occidentale-Simplon )
Bond of the Compagnie des Chemins de Fer Jura-Simplon , issued 17 October 1894
North portal of the Simplon tunnel near Brig during construction
The Simplon Express hauled by locomotive B 3/4 at Geneva-Cornavin station, which was inaugurated after the opening of the tunnel
The JS was able to pay a dividend every year.
The Münchenstein disaster cost the lives of 73 passengers.
Network of the Jura-Simplon Railway
An express train hauled by a two-cylinder compound locomotive of class A 2/4 on the double track at Auvernier .
A 2/4 No. 110 in front of the Lausanne depot.