In the first six months of 2006, the Swiss combi operator Hupac handled 17.5% more shipments as in the same period in the previous year. The reasons for this favourable trend are the upward trends in the economy in general, plus the introduction of new products. “Intermodal traffic is seen as an alternative, and is attracting increasing use”, notes Hupac director, Bernhard Kunz.

Modal shift target exceeded

Between January and June 2006 Hupac shifted onto the rail 299,579 truck consignments. That represents a growth of 17.5% compared to the same period in the previous year, and 33.4% compared to the same period in 2004. With this result, Hupac has clearly exceeded its budgeted objectives, and achieved a significant contribution to the modal shift target. According to Hupac director Bernhard Kunz, the reasons for this positive trend are the upward trends in the economy in general, the addition of attractive new products, and a growing interest in intermodal traffic among transport companies. “Large numbers of new customers are moving over to rail”, notes Mr. Kunz. “Intermodal traffic is seen as an alternative, and is attracting increasing use.”

Shuttle Net (UCT): Transalpine traffic catching up

With a growth rate of 19.4%, the Shuttle Net business (unaccompanied combined traffic) has been progressing well. Thanks to the new terminal infrastructure at Busto Arsizio-Gallarate, the transalpine traffic core business achieved a growth rate of 16.6%. The vigorous growth in non-transalpine traffic – particularly from sea ports in the European heartland – has continued, at 28.8%. In June 2006, the closure of the Gotthard motorway led to an across-the-board increase in traffic volumes; for Swiss inland traffic, the growth rate was over 50%.

Losses at Gotthard Rolling Highway

In contrast, there was a downward trend for the Rolling Highway on the Gotthard stretch. Between January and June 2006 a total of 11,030 road shipments were handled. That is 17.8% less than in the same period in the previous year. The low figures resulted from adjustments to services on offer made in the previous year. For lack of demand, numerous departures had to be cancelled. “The 3.80 meter maximum clearance profile of the Gotthard tunnel severely restricts the use of the Rolling Highway“, says Mr Kunz. “Many customers use the Rolling Highway operated by RAlpin through the 4 meter corridor at Lötschberg.” RAlpin is a company of SBB, BLS, Trenitalia and Hupac.

Providing resources

The strong growth in traffic places high demands on providing resources. There are not always sufficient locomotives, engine drivers, routes or terminal capacity available. The result is delays and poor quality, which has a negative impact on the market. “The modal shift is happening”, states Mr Kunz. “It is all the more important to expand the capacity in a targeted way, and to carry out the necessary improvements in infrastructure.” There is a need for action on the underlying conditions in rail goods traffic. “Railway liberalisation must progress unhindered.”

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