 On 19 November 1999, a ceremony was held, attended by various officials such as the then Federal Councillor and Transport Minister Moritz Leuenberger, to celebrate the official opening of the Vereina Tunnel.Three days later, the first scheduled trains traversed the tunnel.According to the operator, its completion shortened the journey time through the mountain to roughly 18 minutes, improving the route's attractiveness for commuter traffic, as well as better facilitating tourist access to and from the Engadin.