In December 2025, the rolling motorway (Rola) operated by Ralpin in Switzerland will cease operations. On 9 September 2025, the federal government announced its decision to shift resources from the Rola to unaccompanied transalpine combined transport, also introducing a financial incentive to ease the transition. Companies in the sector can already submit their proposals to the Federal Office of Transport (FOT).
According to the federal administration, the move is driven by the operational difficulties affecting the Rola, including delays, disruptions linked to construction work on northern access routes, and capacity constraints on alternatives. For 2026, the Federal Council has requested a total of 59 million Swiss francs (about 60.5 million euros) from Parliament to support transalpine freight, with a larger share earmarked for operating subsidies to conventional unaccompanied services.
To prevent a shift back to road haulage, the FOT has introduced an additional incentive, known as the “Rola bonus”. Operators able to demonstrate the transfer of cargo currently moved by the Rola to unaccompanied combined transport will receive an extraordinary contribution of 25 francs (around 25.6 euros) per shipment. The scheme will apply in 2026 and 2027 as a start-up subsidy.
Companies interested must notify the FOT of their intention by 12 September 2025, with the possibility to clarify the terms of proof by the end of the year. Access to subsidies for unaccompanied combined transport will continue to be subject to a legally binding agreement between the FOT and operators, setting out the number of trains and shipments planned as well as the maximum compensation. Offers may be submitted immediately but no later than 20 November 2025.
The Rola was introduced in Switzerland in the late 1990s as a transitional tool to cut heavy vehicle traffic across the Alps, allowing entire trucks and their drivers to be transported by rail. The initiative formed part of the political strategy to encourage modal shift, backed by federal subsidies and growing environmental awareness. Over the years, the service has experienced mixed fortunes, with strong volumes in its early phase but a gradual decline as conventional combined transport gained capacity and competitiveness.
