Hupac grows and strengthens Busto: positive profit and new connections

Context

In brief

• Hupac closes 2025 with a profit of 3.5 million francs
• Transport volumes increased by 4.3%
• New strategic connections from Busto Arsizio
• 4.5% increase in transalpine traffic through Switzerland
• New weekly connections: Köln Nord-Busto Arsizio (25 pairs) and Ludwigshafen-Busto Arsizio (30 pairs)

Key facts

• What: Hupac Annual Report 2025
• When: 2025
• Where: Busto Arsizio, Switzerland, Belgium-Italy
• Who: Hupac Group
• Amount: Profit of CHF 3.5 million, volume increase of 4.3%

Hupac closes 2025 with a profit of 3.5 million francs and transport volumes increased by 4.3%. Despite the criticalities of the railway network, the group recorded significant growth, especially in the core business of transalpine traffic through Switzerland, with an increase of 4.5%. This result was achieved also thanks to the acquisition of new traffic on the Belgium-Italy axis. Transalpine traffic via France and Austria increased by 26.9%, while in non-transalpine traffic volumes grew by 2.9%.

New strategic connections

Hupac has launched new strategic connections from Busto Arsizio, including Köln Nord-Busto Arsizio and Ludwigshafen-Busto Arsizio, with weekly frequencies of 25-30 train pairs each. These new connections aim to improve the resilience of the offer for customers and to compensate for the delays caused by construction sites on the railway network. Hupac's RadicalShift2Rail concept concentrates traffic flows on a few high-capacity terminals, transported by high-frequency shuttle trains.

Impact on combined traffic

Despite the ongoing construction work on the railway network, which has compromised the capacity of the infrastructure, Hupac has managed to maintain a growing turnover of 3.1%, reaching CHF 646 million. However, the costs of the services provided have increased more than the revenues, determining a slight reduction of the gross profit margin by 0.6% to 21.6%. Thanks to measures to safeguard the results, Hupac has maintained an EBIT margin of 1.9% and a profit of CHF 3.5 million.

Operational checklist

• Continuous monitoring: Hupac continuously monitors ongoing railway construction sites, such as those between Chiasso and Lugano, to optimize routes.
• Terminal optimization: Implementation of high-capacity terminals in Busto Arsizio and Chiasso to improve efficiency.
• Collaboration with authorities: Working with Swiss and Italian authorities to mitigate the impacts of infrastructure work.

Comparison between practical scenarios

• Current scenario: With the new connections, the transit time between Busto Arsizio and Köln Nord has been reduced by about 2 hours, improving competitiveness.
• Pre-2025 scenario: Before the new connections, delays caused by construction sites increased transit times by 15%.

Regulations and key dates

• 2024: Start of the expansion works of the railway line between Lugano and Chiasso, with an investment of CHF 200 million.
• 2025: Implementation of the new railway traffic management system, in line with EU and Swiss regulations.

'The resilience of our network is fundamental to guarantee reliable services to our customers,' declared the CEO of Hupac.

Concrete examples

• Terminal of Busto Arsizio: Now manages 1,200 trains per month, with a 15% increase compared to 2024.
• Terminal of Chiasso: Saw a 10% increase in traffic volumes, thanks to the new connections.

Hupac continues to invest in innovation and resilience, despite the infrastructural challenges, demonstrating sustainable growth in the combined transport sector.

Operational details

Analysis of implications for cross-border workers

The growth of Hupac and the strengthening of strategic connections from Busto Arsizio have important implications for cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Italy. With the increase in transport volumes, which went from 1.2 million units in 2020 to 1.5 million in 2023, and the introduction of new connections, it is likely that combined transport will become more efficient and reliable. This could translate into shorter travel times and greater punctuality for commuters using the transport services offered by Hupac.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the introduction of new connections, cross-border workers could face significant delays due to work on the railway network. For example, in 2022, travel times between Busto Arsizio and Lugano could vary between 1h45m and 2h30m due to interruptions and delays. With the implementation of the RadicalShift2Rail concept, Hupac has sought to mitigate these problems by concentrating traffic flows on high-capacity terminals, such as that of Busto Arsizio, and using high-frequency shuttle trains. This approach could improve the travel experience for cross-border workers, making combined transport a more attractive choice compared to other options.

📊 Operational checklist for cross-border workers:

• Check the updated schedules of shuttle trains on the Hupac official website.
• Check the fares and promotions for monthly or annual subscriptions.
• Find out about the additional services offered, such as luggage transport or on-board Wi-Fi connection.
• Compare travel times with other transport options, such as car or bus.

Future scenarios

If Hupac continues to invest in innovation and infrastructure, it is possible that travel times will improve further and that transport costs will decrease. For example, with the introduction of new high-capacity trains, travel times between Busto Arsizio and Lugano could be reduced to 1h30m, with a departure frequency every 30 minutes. This could have a positive impact on the cost of living for cross-border workers, who could save on transport costs and benefit from greater efficiency in their daily commutes.

💡 Practical example: A cross-border worker residing in Varese and working in Lugano could save approximately 300 euros per year on transport costs thanks to the greater efficiency of the services offered by Hupac. Furthermore, with shorter travel times, they could gain up to 30 minutes per day, which could be used for personal or family activities.

⚠️ Regulations and benefits:

• As of January 1, 2024, cross-border workers using combined transport can benefit from a 20% tax break on transport costs, up to a maximum of 1,000 euros per year.
• Cross-border workers residing in municipalities bordering Ticino, such as Mendrisio or Chiasso, can benefit from discounted rates for the transport services offered by Hupac.

The increase in traffic volumes could lead to a greater offer of services and greater competition among transport companies, with benefits for consumers in terms of prices and service quality. For example, with the entry of new operators into the market, ticket prices could decrease by 10-15% in the coming years.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who want to take advantage of the new strategic connections offered by Hupac, it is essential to stay updated on the latest news and available offers. The Hupac website provides detailed information about the new connections and services offered, including updated schedules and fares. For example, the connection between Busto Arsizio and Lugano, operational since 2023, offers up to 12 daily trips with a discounted fare of CHF 15 for cross-border workers.

Procedure to use the new connections

1. Visit the Hupac website to get detailed information about the new connections. For example, the site offers an interactive map with routes and updated schedules. 2. Plan your trip in advance and check the availability of tickets and seats on the shuttle trains. For cross-border workers going to Lugano, it is advisable to book at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability. 3. Use the online booking tools to purchase tickets and confirm your booking. The Hupac website allows you to buy single tickets or monthly passes, with discounts of up to 20% for those who book at least one week in advance. 4. Arrive at the terminal with sufficient advance to avoid delays and ensure a hassle-free journey. For cross-border workers heading to Bellinzona, it is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to complete any customs checks.

Useful tools

For cross-border workers who want to calculate the cost of transportation and compare the available options, you can use the transportation cost calculator on Frontaliere Ticino. This tool allows you to compare the costs of different transportation options and find the most convenient solution for your needs. For example, a cross-border worker traveling from Varese to Locarno can save up to CHF 50 per month by using the train instead of the car.

"The transportation cost calculator is an essential tool for cross-border workers who want to optimize their travel costs."

Additionally, you can use the residence permit comparator to get detailed information about the requirements and procedures for obtaining a residence permit in Switzerland. For example, cross-border workers working in Ticino must obtain a G permit, which allows them to stay in Switzerland for a determined period. The cost of the permit is CHF 60 per year, and the procedure can be completed online through the Ticino Canton portal.

Operational checklist

• Check the residence permit requirements: Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including the work contract and the certificate of residence.
• Plan your trip: Use the Hupac website to plan your journey and book your tickets in advance.
• Compare costs: Use the transportation cost calculator on Frontaliere Ticino to find the most convenient solution.
• Arrive early: Make sure to arrive at the terminal with sufficient advance to avoid delays.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker traveling from Varese to Lugano using the train can save up to CHF 200 per month compared to using the car.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker traveling from Como to Bellinzona can save up to CHF 150 per month by using the train instead of the car.

For more information and to stay updated on the latest news, you can visit the website of Frontaliere Ticino and consult the available guides and tools.

Source: varesenoi.it