End of an era for the rolling highway service
RAlpin will cease its rolling highway (Rola) operations on 11 December 2025, following 25 years of service during which over 2 m lorries were transported by rail. The discontinuation is due to an increase in unexpected restrictions on the rail network and unplanned construction sites, making operations unsustainable. Despite attempts to secure federal support to extend operations until 2028, the situation has worsened, leading to the decision to end Rola services ahead of schedule.
The final trains will run on the same date, with scheduled departures from Freiburg to Novara and vice versa. RAlpin expresses gratitude to its loyal customers and dedicated employees. The Rola, which began as an effort to shift heavy goods traffic from road to rail, will transition to unaccompanied combined transport systems as part of future operations. RAlpin's joint venture partners – BLS, Hupac and SBB – will ensure an orderly closure while continuing to support the shift towards sustainable transport solutions.