Switzerland: ro-mo to be phased out by 2026
Efforts to shift transalpine freight traffic between Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany) and Novarra (Italy) from the rolling motorways (ro-mo) to pure railfreight have been underway for years.
Now, the Swiss government has decided to continue the ro-mo only until the end of 2026, and not until 2028, as was originally planned and approved by parliament and the operator RAlpin. As a result, the ro-mos will only be supported with CHF 20 million annually until 2026.
Ro-mo shipments will gradually be transferred to unaccompanied combined transport - thanks to the increased use of craneable semi-trailers and new reloading options, amongst other things.
The government’s proposal has been submitted for review and debate to the Swiss parliament. The ro-mo system, where trucks are carried by rail in a form of piggy-back transport, is used particularly for trans-Alpine traffic through Switzerland. The drivers travel in a separate wagon. (ben)