At the beginning of 2020 the extended sectoral driving ban came into force in Tyrol. This means for the transit lorries affected by this ban, only rail is available on the route via the Brenner Pass. Since the start of this year, the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group has been increasing the capacity on the Rolling Road (ROLA) to ensure the transfer of significantly more trucks to rail and thus to make a significant contribution to relieving the population from transit traffic.
The quick loading and unloading of the ROLA trains enable rapid train turns and high-frequency traffic, which means that many trucks can be transported by train through Tyrol in an environmentally friendly manner. This is also an advantage for the transport companies, who can quickly transfer their trucks to rail without having to purchase additional equipment and thus make an important contribution to the protection of the Tyrolean population and the environment. In addition to the Wörgl – Brennersee connection, transport companies can also use the Wörgl – Trento connection, which means up to 46 trains a day on the Brenner corridor.
The increased offer will also be provided as planned in the frequent train traffic on the Lower Inn Valley and Brenner route and creates an alternative to the motorway, which is well accepted. The capacity utilisation of the ROLA on the Brenner – Wörgl route has increased noticeably since the start of this year. ÖBB and the government will present a first meaningful interim balance in the foreseeable future. “We have already made provisions early on and in close coordination with the Federal State of Tyrol in order to be able to handle an increased demand for the ROLA”, says Bernhard Ebner, Business Unit Manager Intermodal at ÖBB Rail Cargo Group.
The Province of Tyrol is pleased: “All in all, when fully expanded, this will result in one ROLA train per hour and direction on the Brenner corridor. If the available capacity was fully utilised, this would mean about 1,000 fewer trucks per day on the motorway. Thus, the federal state of Tyrol and ÖBB are making a significant contribution to relieving the population from transit traffic. In addition, an important contribution will be made to environmental and climate protection in our state”, said Ingrid Felipe, Deputy Governor of the province.
