New Rotterdam – Basel shuttle

Intercontainer-Interfrigo SA is increasing its service frequency on the Basel – Rotterdam corridor with the introduction of a new shuttle train to and from Basel Bad UBF. The "Erasmus Shuttle" will initially operate on a once weekly basis. In all, there will now be six shuttle trains per week in operation between Basel and Rotterdam (five from Basel SBB CT plus the new train from Basel Bad UBF).

After four weeks of successful trials, Intercontainer has given the go-ahead for the launch of the Erasmus Shuttle with effect from 17 February 2010. The Basel Bad UBF terminal has been selected for this new service, since it can boast both EU and Swiss customs clearance facilities.

Logistics clients can now enjoy the benefits of more efficient intermodal services between industrial centres in the major economic region formed by the Germany-France-Switzerland triangle in the southern part of the Upper Rhine and Europe's biggest seaport. With the Erasmus Shuttle, Intercontainer hopes to win over new markets in southern Germany and Alsace to unaccompanied rail-road combined transport.

In the northbound direction, the Erasmus Shuttle will leave Basel Bad UBF currently on Wednesdays (last loading time 16.00) to reach Rotterdam RSC on Thursday at 11.00 and Rotterdam Maasvlakte at 14.00. Southbound, last loading time will be 9.00 on Monday in Maasvlakte and 14.00 in RSC for consignments to be available for collection from 8.00 on Wednesday morning at Basel Bad UBF.

Intercontainer is planning to introduce a second weekly round trip from the mid-April timetable changeover.

(Source: Transport Weekly)