Starting October 5, 2025, the distinctive 'Soup-y-RaiL' train carriage will expand its vital service in Biel/Bienne to include Sundays. This initiative provides a dedicated, warm space where simple, nutritious meals are distributed to the city's homeless, lonely, and socially disadvantaged residents. The expansion underscores a profound commitment to addressing social isolation and food insecurity in the region.
ADRA Switzerland: A Cornerstone of Compassion
The success and expansion of the 'Soup-y-RaiL' project are inextricably linked to the dedicated support of ADRA Switzerland. In close partnership with the local organization rueAcoeur, ADRA Switzerland commits a team of volunteers to the service every Sunday.
The role of ADRA Switzerland transcends simple meal provision. The volunteers offer not just sustenance but also crucial elements of human connection: warmth, companionship, and a listening ear. Project Manager Sabrina Hang emphasizes the dual value of the service:
"The people who receive a meal in the train carriage appreciate not only the food but also, above all, the companionship and conversations. This project is as much about human dignity as it is about nutrition."
This focused effort by ADRA Switzerland highlights the organization's core mission: translating small, consistent gestures into powerful, positive effects on the lives of vulnerable individuals.
From Bulle to Biel: A Story of Relocation and Resilience
The brightly painted carriage, a symbol of community support, now operates in Biel/Bienne following its displacement from Bulle. Due to station renovation work, the original "Soup-y-RaiL" project required a new home in a similar social context.
Kurt Zaugg, co-president of the Biel association rueAcoeur and a highly committed social worker, was instrumental in facilitating the move. For Zaugg, the carriage's future in Biel/Bienne was immediately clear. He partnered with ADRA Switzerland and other stakeholders to organize the complex takeover and relocation.
The 'Night and Snow' Operation
The logistical challenge of moving the heavy, bulky train carriage from Bulle to Biel was significant. In January 2024, the transfer was executed under challenging winter conditions, requiring a night-time operation using a special vehicle.
"We had to wait until the last train of the Täuffelen-Ins Railway had passed," Zaugg recounts. Security services and the police accompanied the maneuver to ensure its smooth execution. Remarkably, Zaugg noted that the organization and transport costs were completely waived. "It was a gift to us," he shares, seeing it as a powerful sign of support for crucial social welfare initiatives.
Sustaining the Impact
The 'Soup-y-RaiL' initiative, significantly bolstered by the hands-on involvement of ADRA Switzerland, serves as a powerful demonstration of localized compassion. The move to include Sundays ensures that support is available on a day often characterized by heightened isolation for many.
To secure the long-term viability of the project and extend its reach to more people in need, ongoing community support and resources are essential. The work done in the train carriage is a tangible expression of how collective responsibility can foster a stronger, more inclusive society.
