Marco Rosso is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cargo sous terrain AG (CST). In an interview with the VAP, he talks about interoperability, non-discrimination on the last mile and the logistics of the future. And about how collaborative innovation can contribute to the quality of life of people in Switzerland and function profitably at the same time.
VAP: Mr Rosso, how do you see the relationship between rail freight and CST in the future?
Marco Rosso: Rail and CST are two systems that complement each other. CST cooperates with all modes of transport to jointly absorb the predicted freight traffic growth of over 30% by 2050 in an innovative, sustainable way. Because CST is not suitable for all transports, the company supports the business models of rail, road hauliers and other logistics players with new technology and digitalisation. Only with cooperation (within the framework of competition rules) can interoperability be guaranteed among the most diverse modes of transport and transport companies. Therefore, CST plans to connect to rail, road, ship, air freight and other systems. At the CST hubs, there will be multimodal connections, in particular also a rail connection. In the construction phase, starting as early as 2026 and continuing until 2045, CST will use rail transport to the tune of 2,000 goods trains per year and thus become an important rail customer.
Shouldn’t the state create the infrastructure and the operation in the tunnels, as well as the operation of the terminals and the last/first mile would then be free and subject to competition?
CST is a system that only works as a whole because all processes are controlled end-to-end. This is the only way to ensure that the general cargo reaches its destination on time and reliably. For this reason, the system must be managed from a single source and at the same time be connectable to all partner platforms. CST has been planned and conceived as a private-sector project from the very beginning. With this financing concept, it is possible and important to move forward quickly without straining the funds in the federal budget. The investors also include important future customers. They help to develop the system in line with the market. The Confederation has recognised that it would not be expedient to act as a creator itself, but to limit itself to the legal framework. With carefully prepared business plans, competitive prices and the broad investor base that supports the project, CST shows that innovation in freight transport contributes to the quality of life in cities and rural areas and can function profitably at the same time.
Where do you see the biggest challenges in your project?
Such a comprehensive project presents many challenges, for example in planning, legal, environmental, financial and political terms. What distinguishes CST is the model of collaborative innovation – with the inclusion of all stakeholders. The project approaches the challenges pragmatically in stages.
How do you design a non-discriminatory first/last mile?
Our system is planned to be non-discriminatory from the start anyway, without the law requiring it. The following applies throughout: everyone has access to the system with the same price for the same service. But we go even further, for example, by developing CST’s city logistics in a collaborative partnership and are open to any cooperation with smaller as well as larger partners, including the railways and the post office. Here, too, our principle is collaborative innovation, which we live by every day.
What is the greatest benefit or motivation of CST for the Swiss population?
The most important effect of CST will be to increase the quality of life for all inhabitants of Switzerland. By showing a way how the logistics of the future can look sustainable, how heavy traffic on the road can be moved away by bundling and pre-sorting in tunnels for all shippers, or how a traffic jam can be avoided for the supply of goods, how to get the best out of the available resources in terms of CO2 emissions, noise, etc. The precious space on the surface should primarily belong to the population. CST favours the expansion of infrastructure as well as renewable energies in Switzerland. CST is a privately financed driver of innovation for the benefit of the Swiss economy and for quality of life in cities and villages by guaranteeing security of supply and thus increasing prosperity in Switzerland.
Are there any points that you think we should still let our members know about?
There are decisive decisions and discussions ahead, especially against the background of the political debates on freight transport. We are firmly convinced that with an entrepreneurial attitude we can make an effective contribution to maintaining Switzerland in the 21st century as an excellent business location with a high quality of life, also for future generations. We participate in this work with enthusiasm and commitment.
Mr Rosso, thank you very much for the interview.
