SBB Cargo International Begins Operations in France to Strengthen Rhine-Alpine Corridor Services

Wedoany.com Report-Nov 29, The company has also secured a safety certificate for France from the European Railway Agency (ERA) on November 21, 2024.

SBB Cargo International has announced the establishment of SBB Cargo France, its newest subsidiary, which will begin operating some services through France starting with the upcoming timetable change. This move supports SBB Cargo International’s efforts to manage capacity challenges along the Rhine-Alpine corridor and expand its operational network.

The Rhine-Alpine corridor north of Basel is nearing capacity limits, with forecasts suggesting that these constraints will persist into the 2040s. To address this, SBB Cargo International will integrate routes through France, using operational sites in Huningue and Yutz/Thionville. This approach offers an alternative to infrastructure bottlenecks in Germany and provides additional flexibility for transport services on the left bank of the Rhine.

The company operates approximately 550 trains weekly across its network in Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and now France, employing over 1,000 people. Its services cater to combined transport and conventional block train needs, with a focus on shifting freight from road to rail. The expansion into France aims to ensure operational reliability and provide resilience for customers during infrastructure disruptions.

Operational readiness has been supported by a transnational safety and quality management system. In preparation for the expansion, train drivers from France and Switzerland have undergone intensive training to handle both national and international routes. This step is expected to improve operational flexibility and interoperability, key components in international rail freight transport.

With this expansion, SBB Cargo International is extending its capacity to address customer demands while maintaining its position as a provider on the Rhine-Alpine corridor.