TX Logistik AG is increasing the number of trains on its intermodal connection between Cologne and Bologna. As of 9th July, the number of round trips will increase from five to six per week. The reason for this is the growing demand in both economic regions for rail transport capacities on this route through Switzerland.
TX Logistik included the route in its timetable at the beginning of 2021. It connects the Cologne North terminal with the Interporto Bologna terminal. The route runs via the Gotthard axis, whose expansion was completed in 2020. Since then, semitrailers with a corner height of four metres can also be transported intermodally by rail through Switzerland. The switch to the P400 profile has significantly increased demand for combined transport services on the Gotthard route.
TX Logistik has taken into account this development with the additional round trip. The rail logistics company, which is part of the Mercitalia Group (Gruppo FS Italiane), and its subsidiaries TX Logistik Switzerland and TX Logistik Transalpine are responsible for all services ‒ from marketing of transportation capacities to traction ‒ entirely under their own management. Modern multi-system locomotives are used, staffed by locomotive drivers from TX Logistik. Up to 34 loading units fit on one train. In addition to semi-trailers, mega-trailers, swap bodies and containers are also transported. They are loaded in Cologne and Bologna every day, with the exception of Sunday.
With the higher train frequency on the Cologne ‒ Bologna route, TX Logistik is making a further contribution to modal shift and climate protection. Compared to transport by truck, rail transport saves around 23,000 tons of CO2 per year with six round trips per week.