The Swiss have decided that smoke filled trains are to be a thing of the past. They will be  joining Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden in making their trains  smoke free.

“In addition to protecting non-smoking passengers and staff from passive smoke, the ban will also free up more seats, as smoking compartments — typically underutilized — are currently being converted into non-smoking ones,” notes Fabrice Morel, President and CEO of the Rail Europe Group. Within 6 months, all ashtrays will be removed from SBB trains, a process that has already begun. Smoking is prohibited in Swiss rail stations except in designated areas and on the outdoor platforms.

This will be a most welcome transition for the non smoking traveler.