Les Chemins de fer du Jura SA

What Les Chemins de fer du Jura SA does

Les Chemins de fer du Jura SA (CJ) is a privately held Swiss regional railway operator founded in 1904 and headquartered in Tavannes, Canton of Bern. The company runs a meter-gauge network across three federal-concessioned rail lines (236 Glovelier–Saignelégier–Le Noirmont–La Chaux-de-Fonds, 237 Tavannes–Tramelan–Le Noirmont, 238 Porrentruy–Bonfol) plus three concessioned bus routes, transporting roughly 1.58 million passengers per year with a fleet of 140 rail vehicles and 48 road vehicles. CJ operates under the regulatory framework of the Swiss federal public transport system, with service ordered and subsidized by the cantons of Jura, Bern, and Neuchâtel and the federal Office of Transport (BAV).

Revenue is generated across four streams: passenger transport (tickets, subscriptions, and integrated tariff communities), freight (78,000 tonnes of waste, 32,000 tonnes of milk from 135 collection points, and 20,000 tonnes of wood per year) under contracts with cooperatives such as Mooh and waste operators including Cridor, tourism and leisure (Belle Epoque, Watchmakers' Train, Franches-Montagnes Steam Train with a CNN-featured Train Attack Experience, plus trotti-bike, e-bike, and snowshoe rentals), and external vehicle maintenance at the Tramelan technical center. Pricing spans GA/Half-fare card structures (e.g., CHF 33–69 for bike rentals, CHF 39–59 for the Watchmakers' Train) and operates under the national General Tariff T600, FAIRTIQ-powered mobile check-in/check-out ticketing integrated with SwissPass.

The business model is heavily subsidy-anchored: commercial farebox is supplemented by public reimbursements such that the most recent disclosed figure for products and expense reimbursements is CHF 30 million annually. Distribution is direct via station counters, the CJ mobile app, online booking, and partnerships with Jura Tourism, Rent a Bike, Naturpärke Doubs/Chasseral, and BKW, with strategic management of heritage operations outsourced to the La Traction volunteer association. The company employs approximately 187 full-time staff across offices in Tavannes, Tramelan, Saignelégier, and Glovelier, all of which serve as both operational depots and customer touchpoints.

Name

Les Chemins de fer du Jura SA

Legal name

Compagnie des Chemins de fer du Jura (C.J.) SA

Website

https://les-cj.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1904

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Les Chemins de fer du Jura SA is a Swiss regional railway and bus operator running three concessioned meter-gauge rail lines and freight services in the Jura and Bernese Jura, transporting 1.58 million passengers and 130,000+ tonnes of cargo annually alongside heritage tourism, with about 187 staff and CHF 30 million in annual revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Tavannes

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Passenger Transport: Core business of passenger rail and bus services. Revenue from ticket sales, general subscriptions (AG), half-fare cards, and regional tickets. Public subsidies from cantons of Jura, Bern, Neuchâtel and federal transport office (BAV) supplement fares.
2. Freight Transport: Wood transport (20,000 tonnes/year), waste transport (78,000 tonnes/year), milk collection and transport (32,000 tonnes/year), gravel/schist transport for own network maintenance. Revenue-generating pillar alongside passenger transport.
3. Tourism and Leisure: Historical steam train experiences, Belle Epoque nostalgic train, Watchmakers' Train, trotti-bike rentals, mountain biking equipment, group excursions, and charter services for private events (weddings, corporate outings). Revenue from ticket sales and package bookings.
4. Vehicle Maintenance Services: Technical center offers vehicle maintenance and repair services to private individuals and businesses at competitive rates, diversifying revenue beyond core transport operations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Les Chemins de fer du Jura SA operates regional passenger rail services across three narrow-gauge lines (236, 237, 238) and concessioned bus routes in the Canton Jura and Bernese Jura regions of Switzerland, carrying approximately 1.58 million passengers annually. The company also runs combined road-rail freight operations (wood, milk collection, and waste transport to Cridor incineration), heritage tourism experiences (steam train, Belle Epoque 1913, Watchmakers' Train 1953, train robbery experience), and leisure rentals (Trotti-Bike, PowerBike, bikes, snowshoes) plus a vehicle maintenance technical center serving private and commercial customers.

Product overview

Les Chemins de fer du Jura SA operates as a regional public transport company offering an integrated portfolio of rail and road transport services across the Jura region. The company operates three distinct business axes: passenger transport (rail lines Glovelier–Saignelégier–Le Noirmont–La Chaux-de-Fonds, Tavannes–Tramelan–Le Noirmont, and Porrentruy–Bonfol, plus concessioned bus lines), freight transport (wood, waste, and milk logistics), and tourism/leisure services. The tourism division centers on heritage train experiences including the Steam Train of Franches-Montagnes, Belle Epoque Nostalgia Train, and Train des Horlogers, complemented by active outdoor offerings (Trotti-Bike, PowerBike, bike rentals, snowshoe rentals) and the CJ mobile application for ticketing and schedule information. The company is structured as a multi-location operation with key sites in Tavannes (headquarters), Tramelan, Saignelégier (customer service), and operates 140 rail vehicles and 48 road vehicles, transporting approximately 1.58 million passengers annually with 187 employees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Train à vapeur des Franches-Montagnes: Heritage steam train experience operating in the Franches-Montagnes region
• Train Belle Epoque
• Train des Horlogers
• PowerBike
• Trottinette
• Regio CJ
• Carte RailEvasion

Products and services

• Passenger Rail Transport Core regional passenger rail service on meter-gauge Lines 236, 237, and 238 connecting communities across the Canton Jura and Bernese Jura to the national SBB network at Glovelier, carrying approximately 1.58 million passengers annually.
• Concessioned Bus Services Licensed public bus services including Tramelan–Saint-Imier (Line 22.131), Saint-Imier–Chasseral (Line 22.121), and Saint-Imier station–Hospital (Line 22.123), operated with three standard buses and one minibus.
• Steam Train of Franches-Montagnes (Dampfzug der Franches-Montagnes) Heritage steam train excursions through the Franches-Montagnes region operated with La Traction volunteers, including themed specials such as the Attaque du train (train robbery), raclette train, and whisky specials.
• Train des Horlogers (Watchmakers' Train) Historical 1953 electric train ride from Glovelier or La Chaux-de-Fonds to Le Noirmont, combined with guided tour of the Musée de la Boîte de Montre, offering onboard refreshments and scenic views of the wooded regional landscape.
• Belle Epoque Nostalgia Train Heritage train experience using 1913 wagons, available for private bookings for corporate events, societies, and birthday celebrations, offering traditional railway travel through regional landscapes.
• Attaque du Train (Train Robbery Experience) Unique theatrical train robbery experience on the CJ steam train where masked, armed horsemen take passengers hostage, offered approximately 10 times per year during summer months and featured on CNN news.
• Trotti-Bike (Off-road Scooter) Rentals Off-road scooter rentals available at Saignelégier with routes through the Franches-Montagnes landscapes and Doubs region, including Combe-Tabeillon to Glovelier, Saignelégier to Soubey with canoe combination, and Saignelégier to Goumois routes.
• PowerBike Electric Bike Rental Extraordinary electric bikes combining speed, freedom, and comfort for exploring the Franches-Montagnes region from Saignelégier to Étang de la Gruyère and Le Noirmont through typical forest pastures.
• Bike Rental (Rent a Bike Partnership) Partnership with Rent a Bike at Saignelégier station offering city bikes, electric bikes, e-MTBs, mountain bikes, and other options, complemented by an annual bike passport (CHF 62) and daily bike card (CHF 7) for CJ network use.
• Canoe & Trotti-Bike Combination Combined activity starting with Trotti-Bike from Saignelégier through nature to Doubs river shores, followed by canoe descent of the river, blending sport, relaxation, and discovery.
• Snowshoe & Cross-country Ski Rentals Winter activity equipment rentals available at Saignelégier, providing access to approximately a dozen snowshoe routes totaling 60 kilometers of prepared trails in the Franches-Montagnes region.
• Special Bus Charters Customized bus charter services for events, group outings, or special occasions, providing personalized routes including transport to locations outside regular public transit access.
• Vehicle Maintenance Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.58 million passengers transported annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• La TractioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer organization that operates and maintains the historical CJ steam train. The 'Dampfzug der Freiberge' (Franches-Montagnes Steam Train) operates thanks to La Traction volunteers, providing technical expertise for heritage railway operations.
• Jura TourismcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional tourism organization partnering with CJ for marketing leisure offerings, day trips, and heritage experiences in the Franches-Montagnes region.
• La Traction (Watchmakers' Train)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteers operate the renovated Watchmakers' Train featuring a 1953 heritage electric train with leather salon car and original wooden benches, offering unique watchmaking heritage tourism.
• Rent a BikemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with Rent a Bike for bicycle and e-bike rental services at Saignelégier station. Rent a Bike provides a wide selection including city bikes, electric bikes, and mountain bikes for CJ passengers.
• FAIRTIQcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing the mobile ticketing application with check-in/check-out functionality. FAIRTIQ handles post-paid ticket billing, journey tracking via GPS/WiFi, and automatic best-price calculation.
• Mooh GenossenschaftcoreOthersDairy cooperative providing milk collection services. CJ transports industrial milk from 135 collection points across Franches-Montagnes to Mooh facilities for delivery to Migros/ELSA, Cremo, and Emmi.
• Cridor (La Chaux-de-Fonds)majorOthersWaste incineration plant in La Chaux-de-Fonds, part of Arc Jurassien Déchets (AJD) network. CJ provides rail transport of waste containers from Ajoie and SEOD landfill to the facility.
• Naturpärke Doubs and ChasseralminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNature parks collaborating on cycling and hiking route recommendations, combining CJ train transport with outdoor activities in the Franches-Montagnes and Doubs regions.
• BKWminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnergy company partnering with CJ for organized transport to Switzerland's largest wind park at Mont-Crosin and nearby Mont-Soleil solar power plant.
• Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)coreTechnology or IntegrationNational railway partner for network integration, standard-gauge connection at Glovelier, and participation in the national Direct Service (Service Direct) database for ticket validation and revenue sharing.
• SwissPasscoreTechnology or IntegrationCJ tickets and subscriptions are compatible with SwissPass login system, enabling single sign-on across 240+ Swiss public transport companies and tariff communities.
• Arc Jurassien Déchets (AJD)majorOthersRegional consortium managing waste transport logistics. CJ provides rail transport as part of combined road-rail waste management concept serving Ajoie, Tavannes Valley, and surrounding areas.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB): Swiss narrow-gauge railway connecting Zermatt, Andermatt, and Disentis via the Glacier Express. Combines regional transport with significant tourism operations in a structure closely comparable to CJ's diversified business mix.
• Aare Seeland mobil (asm): Swiss regional transport company operating in Solothurn and Aargau cantons with bus and rail services. Comparable regional operator with similar scale, network integration, and Swiss tariff system participation.
• Compagnie du chemin de fer Lausanne-Échallens-Bercher (LEB): Swiss narrow-gauge regional railway connecting Lausanne to Bercher in Vaud canton. Similar narrow-gauge operations, regional commuter model, and scale - directly comparable to CJ's regional narrow-gauge passenger business.
• Montreux-Oberland Bernois (MOB): Swiss heritage railway operating between Montreux and Zweisimmen, Lenk, and Château-d'Oex with significant tourism focus. Similar vintage rolling stock and Belle Epoque positioning, closely mirroring CJ's heritage train experiences.
• Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn (RBS): Swiss regional railway operating between Bern and Solothurn with bus services. Comparable regional commuter rail plus bus model, with similar Swiss tariff and SBB network integration structures.
• Transports publics fribourgeois (TPF): Swiss regional transport operator in the Canton of Fribourg combining rail and bus services. Similar integrated passenger transport business mix, regional scope, and public service obligations to CJ.
• Rhaetian Railway (Rhätische Bahn): Swiss narrow-gauge railway operating regional and tourist services across Graubünden including the UNESCO-listed Bernina line. Highly comparable business model with mixed passenger, freight, and heritage tourism offerings - directly mirroring CJ's regional-plus-heritage positioning.
• Brienz Rothorn Bahn (BRB): Swiss heritage steam rack railway operating from Brienz to Rothorn summit. Pure heritage/tourism focus with steam operations closely mirroring CJ's Steam Train of Franches-Montagnes and Belle Epoque offerings.
• Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn (SZU): Swiss regional railway operator connecting Zürich to Sihlwald and Uetliberg. Similar mixed regional commuter and leisure/tourism positioning, with comparable scale and Swiss tariff system integration.

Broad incumbents

• BLS AG: Larger Swiss regional rail operator covering the Bern region with broader portfolio including freight, bus, and lake navigation. Provides scale and operational benchmark for Swiss regional rail economics, though CJ is significantly smaller in scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/les-cj
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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Les Chemins de fer du Jura SA