After the refusal by Bern to subsidize night trains, left-wing parties in five cities are launching a coordinated push to support international night trains.
Similar motions are being submitted this week in Geneva and Lausanne, following earlier moves in Zurich, Basel and Bern.
The aim is to encourage cities to provide temporary financial backing and pressure the Confederation to act.
The proposal is criticised by the right, which says night trains are not a priority amid tight federal finances.
Recently, the federal parliament refused to fund the Basel–Malmö service.
Backers say night trains are essential to cut short haul flights in Europe.
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