Cross-Alpine Rail Freight Service to End in 2026

Switzerland's iconic rolling highway service for trucks crossing the Alps will come to an end in December 2025, marking a significant shift in trans-Alpine freight transport. RAlpin, the cooperative venture between major Swiss railway operators BLS, SBB, and Hupac, announced the premature termination of the service that has been facilitating the transport of complete lorries by rail between Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, and Novara, Italy.

Despite receiving financial support from the Swiss Confederation and maintaining satisfactory demand, RAlpin has struggled to maintain profitability. The decision to cease operations three years ahead of the originally planned 2028 date stems from mounting economic pressures. A significant factor contributing to the service's difficulties has been the increasing disruptions to rail infrastructure in Germany, affecting the reliability and efficiency of the cross-border service.

The termination of the rolling highway service will have significant implications for both transportation logistics and employment. While container transport will continue, the ability to transport complete trucks by rail will cease, potentially leading to increased road traffic through the Alps. The closure affects 16 employees, for whom RAlpin is actively seeking alternative solutions. This change represents a notable shift in Switzerland's long-standing policy of moving freight traffic from road to rail.

While the rolling highway service will end, Switzerland remains committed to sustainable trans-Alpine freight transport. Container shipping by rail will continue to operate, offering an alternative for goods transport across the Alps. The development raises questions about the future of cross-border rail freight services and Switzerland's broader strategy for managing Alpine transit traffic in an environmentally conscious manner.