From 1 January 2025, Hupac will strengthen its connections between Belgium and Italy and between Milan and Padua, while inaugurating a new terminal in Cologne, Germany. The enhancements are part of Hupac's ongoing expansion of its Shuttle Net network, aimed at boosting intermodal transport across Europe. The new connections and timetables are designed to deliver greater efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility, with Italy benefiting significantly from these developments.
One of the most notable additions is the new connection between Ghent, Belgium, and Piadena, in the province of Cremona, Italy. The service will initially offer three weekly rotations. Departures from Ghent are scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 16:45 (A), with arrivals in Piadena at 09:00 (C) on Monday and Wednesday and at 06:00 (D) on Friday. Departures from the Italian terminal will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 18:00 (A), with arrivals in Ghent the following day at 06:30 (C) for Tuesday and Wednesday departures, and at 06:00 (D) for Friday departures.
Another key enhancement is the connection between Zeebrugge and Piacenza, which will see its weekly rotations increase from three to four. Trains will depart Zeebrugge from Monday to Friday (excluding Wednesday) at 18:00 (A), arriving in Piacenza at 15:00 (C) for Monday and Tuesday departures, at 06:00 (D) for Thursday departures, and at 15:00 (D) for Friday departures. Departures from Piacenza are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 19:00 (A), with arrivals in Zeebrugge at 21:00 (C) on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and at 19:30 (C) on Saturday. From 7 January 2025, the terminal closure time in Piacenza will be extended to 20:00, enhancing operational convenience.
Within Italy, Hupac will boost the frequency of shuttle services between Busto Arsizio and Padua, increasing from four to six weekly rotations. Departures from Busto Arsizio will occur Tuesday to Saturday at 05:15 (A), with arrivals in Padua at 06:00 (B). Additionally, there will be a second Saturday departure at 11:00 (A), arriving at 06:00 (D). From Padua, trains will depart Monday to Friday at 19:30 (A), reaching Busto Arsizio at 21:00 (B) from Monday to Thursday, and at 05:00 (D) on Friday. On Saturdays, the train will depart at 11:30 (A), arriving at 21:00 (C).
On the international front, Hupac will expand its network with the new Köln Nord terminal in Germany, replacing the previous Cologne facility. This transition will enhance the stability of gateway connections to southern Europe and provide four weekly rotations between Malmö and Köln Nord. Trains will depart Malmö every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 20:00 (A), and on Saturdays at 10:00 (A). Arrivals at Köln Nord will occur at 23:30 (B) for Monday and Wednesday departures, at 05:00 (C) for Thursday departures, and at 06:00 (C) for Saturday departures. Departures from Köln Nord are scheduled for Monday at 21:00 (A), arriving in Malmö at 08:00 (C); Wednesday and Friday at 03:00 (A), arriving at 08:00 (B); and Saturday at 10:00 (A), arriving at 08:00 (C).
