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SWISS GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS "ROLLENDE LANDSTRASSE" UNTIL END OF 2028
THE Swiss federal government actively backs the Rollende Landstrasse (Rola) for transporting trucks via rail in transalpine goods traffic, demonstrating unwavering support until the conclusion of 2028. Following the National Council's decision, the Council of States also emphatically endorsed this measure.
In alignment with the National Council, the Council of States authorised the federal government to allocate CHF 106m supporting Rola from 2024 to 2028.
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Since 2001, Rola has provided approximately 100,000 opportunities annually for truck transfer from road to rail, facilitating transit between Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany and Novara, Italy. This number has settled at around 80,000 per year. Under a framework agreement with RAlpin AG, the operator, the federal government continues to finance the rolling highway (Rola) until the end of this year. However, the agreement will expire at the end of December.
While the UKV trains do not accommodate drivers in their carriages, Rola provides dedicated train carriages for accompanying drivers.
Nevertheless, both the National Council and the Council of States acknowledged a genuine risk of trucks returning to the roads if the financial support from the federal government ceases at the end of 2026. The construction of an expanded goods loading terminal in Novara, Italy is only slated for completion in 2028, thus warranting an extension of the support.
Hans Stöckli (SP/BE) also emphasised that the constitutional objective of shifting transalpine road traffic to rail, as stipulated by law, remains unattained. The objective sets forth a maximum of 650,000 truck crossings over the Swiss Alps per year.
"We witness the significance of Rola on a daily basis," stated Uri Councilor Heidi Z'graggen, alluding to the frequent traffic congestion on the Gotthard motorway.
If the Federal Council decides to extend the federal support, it would necessitate an internal compensation of CHF20 million annually, as explained by Federal Councillor and Minister of Transport Albert Rösti. However, he is uncertain where these funds would originate.
