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25.08.2010: Karpfen and Mirage in Vinnitsa
With the exception of the ballet tram, the Mirage era in Zürich is probably over. That makes it all the more comforting to know that many ex-VBZ Mirage and Karpfen trams are providing good service in the Ukrainian town of Vinnitsa. A correspondent has sent me the following YouTube video:
24.08.2010: First two BDWM BDe8/8 scrapped
The first BDWM BDe8/8 to be scrapped was 3, leaving Bremgarten by rail on 23 July to be scrapped by Thommen in Kaiseraugst. The second unit to go was number 9, which was partly dismantled in its own depot with parts being salavged by the organisation, IG BDe 8/8, who wish to preserve one of these units for posterity.
Some views of this type can be seen on this page of this website's photo pages.
20.08.2010: Ballet Mirage in service
According to VBZ's website, the ballet-themed Mirage tram (1676) commences running today. This is the only Mirage tram in service in Zürich at present. It will work on route 8 until October. The special livery marks the 70th birthday of the coreographer and director of Zürich's ballet, Heinz Spoerli.
First pictures are published on this page of the VBZ website.
06.08.2010: Ballet Mirage to debut soon
Mirage operation officially ended in June, but one Mirage is about to make a brief comeback. 1676 will operated on route 8 in a special ballet livery from 20th August until the end of October. It will be presented to the press on 19th August.
Besides 3056 (Ingenieutram) and 2005 (Die Schweizermacher), this will restore the number of special livery trams to three.
02.08.2010: Energy storage tests
Last year, this website reported VBZ's plans to test energy storage using a flywheel installation by the Zoo terminus. Evaluation of the six-week trial showed that currently about 85% of regenerated energy is re-used by trams. Additional energy savings made through the storage were negated by the enery costs of actually running the installation and its internal losses. The technology is not totally unsuitable, however, as VBZ believes it could be useful for supporting the power supply on heavily used sections of line.
16.07.2010: Trams diverted for major works
VBZ is making use of the summer break to execute track remodelling works at two locations, starting on 17th July (tomorrow) and lasting until 22nd August. Both of these projects are about connecting new tram lines to the existing network.
The first of these projects will take place at Bahnhof Stettbach, where the third phase of Glattalbahn will connect to the VBZ network. Route 7's current turning loop is being replaced by a new arrangement in which routes 12 and 7 will approach the loop from opposite sides and share a loop track, but each have their own platform face. Passing loops will allow trams to overtake. During the closure period, route 7 will be diverted to Hirzenbach and buses will operate between Stettbach and Schwamendingerplatz.
The second project affects Escher-Wyss-Platz where Tram Zürich West will connect to the present newtork, and the opportunity is baing taken to remodel the extended area. Buses will replace route 13 between Frankental and Hauptbahnhof, but interestingly Werdhözli - Escher-Wyss-Platz will continue as an island of tram operation, disconncted from the rest of the system. trams will turn in the depot yard.
14.07.2010: Mirages refuse to surrender
Only two weeks after officially retreating to the emergency reserve, a Mirage pair (1659+1668) is reported on route 13 today.
14.07.2010: New special livery tram
Another special livery tram has debuted in Zürich. 2005 advertises the musical Die Schweizermacher. Previosuly this tram advertised another musical, Ewigi Liebi (photos of that here). This is the tram's third consecutive special livery as previously to that it ... (more)
12.07.2010: First Sänfte + Pony pair in service
This newslog has previously reported on plans to operate Sänfte + Pony coupled pairs. This would permit a more intensive use of these types which have partly been displaced from their former strongholds by the introduction of Cobras, and ... (more)
05.07.2010: Buy a Winterthur GTZ
With the new Hess Swisstrolleys beginning to displace Mercedes/ABB O405 GTZ trolleybuses in Winterthur, the German bus dealer H.D. Sturm is offering these for sale.
02.07.2010: Mirage farewell
A correspondent has sent me this impressive YouTube video of the last day of Mirage operation.
02.07.2010: Mirage numbers
The set that performed the last honours on Wednesday was 1685+1688. The units that are to remain in Zürich are: 1656, 1659, 1664, 1668, 1673, 1674, 1675, 1676, 1677, 1681, 1685 and 1688. 1676 is currently in the paint shop ... (more)
30.06.2010: More Mirages depart
On this dark day for Zürich's Mirages, it is consoling to know that many are finding further work in Vinnitsa. Earlier this week, 1647, 1649 and 1650 left Zürich by rail, followed today by 1640, 1655, 1663 and an unidentified unit.
30.06.2010: Last Mirage day
According to various newspaper reports, today is the last day of Mirage operation. One unit is set to make a brief comeback later this year, however, as a "ballet tram".
21.06.2010: Cobra 3088
3088, the final Cobra, has been delivered in late May.
21.06.2010: Tango, Combino or Flexity?
With the three trials of visiting trams now completed, VBZ must embark on the daunting task of evaluating public and internal reactions and using these to specify the next generation of tram for Zürich. Of course any other manufacturer will ... (more)
21.06.2010: Winterthur GTZ trolleybuses
According to reports on bahnhofplatz.net, Winterthur's first Mercedes/ABB O405 GTZ trolleybuses will be withdrawn next week. Ten are likely to go to VBZ for parts, with the other 11 going to a dealership to be sold for further service ... (more)
20.06.2010: Flexity farewell
Friday (18th) was Augsburg Flexity 882's last day in service in Zürich. The adjoining picture shows it backing into Oerlikon depot after its final run (more here).
18.06.2010: Flexity in Zürich
With Augsburg Flexity 882 now completing the second week of its demonstration on Zürich's route 11, I have uploaded some further pictures.
Here is the trams' passenger information display, with an amusing typo hinting at the tram's Bavarian home.
15.06.2010: Vinnitsa tram website
An interesting website, with pictures and information on the Vinnitsa tramway in English can be found on depo.vn.ua/en/. It includes many pictures of the ex-Zürich cars.
14.06.2010: New trolleybuses?
Following a July 2005 order, VBZ took delivery of 18 single-articulated and 17 double-articulated trolleybuses from HESS between July 2006 and July 2008 replacing the Mercedes/ABB O405 GTZ trolleybuses 1-11/13-36 of 1986/88-9. There has not yet been an official ... (more)
10.06.2010: New tram depots
In order to cope with future growth, VBZ has identified the need for two new tram depots. These will be locted in the West (by 2020) and North (2025). Tages Anzeiger Website comment: Further details are not offered for either of ... (more)
09.06.2010: Photo update
I have uploaded various new pictures. The series cover Zürich, Amsterdam, SBB and Rigi Bahn.
07.06.2010: Flexity demonstration commences today
Demonstration running of Bombardier's Augsburg Flexity commences today. The tram will run on route 11 for two weeks.
07.06.2010: New S-Bahn train (RABe 511)
On 3rd June, the first of the new Stadler double-deck S-Bahn trains was presented at Zürich Hauptbahnhof. About 29 of the 50 six-car trains are intended for Zürich's S-Bahn.
04.06.2010: Augsburg Flexity in Zürich
Quite by chance, I saw the Augsburg Flexity demonstrator on test today. Demonstration runs will commence on Monday. Meanwhile, here are two pictures.
03.06.2010: Mirage: The end is nigh
According to reports on bahnhofplatz.net, regular operation of Mirage trams is likely to cease within about three weeks. Currently, about three sets are still operational on route 2. Circa 13 units are likely to be retained in storage, and ... (more)
31.05.2010: Flexity demonstrator
Bombardier's Flexity demonstrator (from Augsburg) arrived in Zürich this past weekend (29/30th May) and will operate in service on route 11 for two weeks commencing 7th June. This is the third and final demonstrator being trialled in Zürich after ... (more)
28.05.2010: S-Bahn is 20 years old
It was on 27th May 1990 that the cross-city rail link was opened. This line, which is largely in tunnels soon became the keystone of Zürich's suburban railway system, which was restructured to coincide with the opening to become ... (more)
28.05.2010: Cobra 3087
Cobra deliveries have reached number 3087. Only one Cobra remains to be delivered.
18.05.2010: New Routemaster
This newslog doesn't normally comment on buses. However, it is rare that the presentation of a new bus design is reported so widely in the mainstream press. Even models such as the Mercedes Citaro – whose numbers outstrip even ... (more)
17.05.2010: Basel: No tango for BVB?
An article in Basler Zeitung (14th May) suggests that BVB is withdrawing from its part of the joint tango procurement with BLT. A Combino derivative seems to be the preferred option. BVB is seeking to acquire 30 trams by ... (more)
11.05.2010: Bern: back to three trolleybus routes
Bern is now back to three trolleybus routes, with trolleybuses having returned to route 11 on 2nd November (road works had led to the temporary dismantlement of the overhead line). Bern's three trolleybus routes are 11, 12 and 20. ... (more)
10.05.2010: Mirage farewell tour
With the remaining Mirage turns becoming increasingly rare (currently down to three or four pairs on route 2 only), Tram Museum Zürich are running a farewell tour on Sunday 6th June. The tour starts at Burgwies depot (the tram ... (more)
06.05.2010: Combino trial positive
The Zürich trial of Bern Combino 659 in March and April left a positive impression. The tram ran 2906 km in 192 hours of operation. 4100 passengers returned the questionnaire. The accessibility of the tram, its low noise level ... (more)
27.04.2010: Schaffhausen orders Hess trolleybuses
On 20th April, Schaffhausen confirmed that it is acquiring seven Swisstrolley3 trolleybuses from Hess AG for 10.5 million Franks. The new trolleybuses will replace the existing fleet, with delivery commencing in June 2011. This finally ends uncertainty over the ... (more)
27.04.2010: Cobra 3085
Cobra deliveries have reached 3085. Only three more trams of the type remain to be delivered.
12.04.2010: Flexity demonstrator
Following on from the Tango and Combino demonstrations, the third demonstrator, a Bombardier Flexity from Augsburg, will visit Zürich in late May.
Tages Anzeiger
08.04.2010: Official: Limmattalbahn is now a company
Limmattalbahn, the projecetd light rail link from Zürich Altstetten to Killwangen has taken another step forwards today with the legal founding of a company to plan and realise the line. Limmattalbahn AG is jointly owned by the Cantons of ... (more)
22.03.2010: First Winterthur Swisstrolley delivered
Winterthur today took delivery of its first Hess Swisstrolley trolleybus. Mysteriously, the vehicle carries the number 150 which is already in use.
22.03.2010: Named trams
Several people have recently written to me asking for a list of named tramcars in Zürich. Quite by coincidence (or maybe not?), a discussion on bahnhofplatz.net has pulled together precisely this information. Tram 2000 first series 2001 Höngg (renamed Street-Parade in ... (more)
19.03.2010: Combino debut
Today is the first day of the demonstartion of Bern Combino 659 in Zürich. Its demonstration will continue until 9th April (without weekends). An initial series of pictures is here.
18.03.2010: Waiting for Combino
The local press have picked up positively on the approaching Combino trials. The NZZ has even warned that compared to the Tango which was demonstrated last year, the ride quality is inferior, but added that this is the price ... (more)
16.03.2010: Mirage accident at Helvetiaplatz
This morning at 05:30, Mirage 1667 hit a lorry at Helvetiaplatz and derailed. Fortunately, nobody suffered more than light injuries. The tram is a write-off. 1667 was one of the 20 IBIS-plus equipped units, set to be retained as ... (more)
10.03.2010: More Mirages for Vinnitsa
Four Mirage trams left Zürich by train on Monday night (8th). A further four were on railway wagons, waiting to depart yesterday evening (9th). The latter four were 1610/27/52/8.
See also: Vinnitsa (3rd March).
08.03.2010: Valparaíso earthquake
Not the transport news but the world news has recently turned to Chile and the aftermath of the earthquake that hit hat country on 27th February. Samuel Fuentes' trolleybus blog presents an interesting inside view on the event in ... (more)
08.03.2010: Combino to debut on 19th
The Combino demonstrator's (Bern 659) first day in service is likely to be Friday 19th March.
05.03.2010: The first Combino in Zürich
With a Combino tram demonstrator having now arrived in Zürich and soon to debut in service, it is appropriate to recall that this isn't the first Combino to visit Zürich. In September 1998 the Combino prototype was demonstrated in ... (more)
04.03.2010: Combino arriving
The Combino demonstrator (Bern 659) is scheduled to arrive in Zürich tomorrow (5th March). It will be presented to the press on 16th March and then operate on route 11 until 12 April.
03.03.2010: Limmattalbahn
The decison on the mode of the Limmattalbahn corridor has been taken: It will be realised as a metre gauge light rail system using bi-directional rolling stock. This decison ends speculations over guided bus alternatives. The choice of bi-directional ... (more)
03.03.2010: Final end of the line for La Ficelle
Following the 2006 closure of La Ficelle for conversion to Lausanne's new rubber-tyred metro, there were hopes that the vehicles of this cog railway could see further use elsewhere. Initially there were plans to deploy them on a new ... (more)
03.03.2010: Vinnitsa
The best report on the Vinnitsa tramway that I have read so far appears in the 2/2010 edition of Strassenbahn Magazin. Vinnitsa is of interest to fans of Zürich trams due to the second-hand Karpfen and Mirage-type trams in ... (more)
02.03.2010: Tango for Geneva
It's blue and white, but no, it's not Zürich's future Tango tram! In January, TPG (Genève) ordered 32 Tangos from Stadler for 154 million Franks. The new trams will be 44m long and enter service from late 2011. The ... (more)
02.03.2010: Combino to be demonstrated in Zürich
After the yellow demonstrator, a red demonstrator.
The Siemens Combino tram to be demonstrated in Zürich is to be Bern 659, which will visit Zürich on it's way to its new home later this month. It will operate on route 11.
02.03.2010: More Bern news
Further news items concerning Bern: Further to the news on Combino 659 visiting Zürich, sister unit 657 made the news when the low loader carrying it to Bern lost its footing on an icy between Lörrach and Rheinfelden on 4th ... (more)
23.02.2010: BDWM news
The first of BDWM's new Stadler Diamant-type Be4/8 sets (number 5001) was delivered in December. The new unit was unloaded from its standard gauge transporter wagon at Bremgarten West. It is currently undergoing trials and is expected to be ... (more)
23.02.2010: Basel: BVB looking for alternative to Tango?
The Tango trams being acquired by Basel were initially announced as a joint order of the two tram companies BLT and BVB, with the procurement being led by BLT. BLT has ordered the four prototypes (May 2006), and follwing ... (more)
23.02.2010: Cobra and Mirage update
Cobra deliveries have reached number 3082. Meanwhile,it appears that further withdrawn Mirage are being prepared for their journey to Vinnitsa.
23.02.2010: Zürich trolleybus in Lausanne
According to a report on Trolleymotion, VBZ's Lightram3, number 72 is currently in Lausanne for demonstration purposes (but not in public service). TL is considering acquiring such vehicles to replace trolleybus + trailer combinations by 2015.
02.02.2010: Schaffhausen: Trolleybus supplier sought
Schaffhausen is calling for tenders for seven trolleybuses to replace its current fleet. Demonstration trials will be held in March and the decison publicised on 16th April.
29.01.2010: Mirage 1626
The newslog previously reported that 1626 was being converted to an exhibition tram for Tram Zürich West. This was not quite accurate as the tram does not house any exhibition. It has, however, been set up on a short ... (more)
27.01.2010: Sankt Gallen: Trolleybuses to Sarajevo
With Sankt Gallen's NAW trolleybuses 151-154 and 156-168 (*) having been been displaced by new Hess trolleybuses, Sarajevo has been attempting to obtain the NAWs. A deal was signed but then terminated in circa April as Sarajevo was unable ... (more)
27.01.2010: Winterthur: New trolleybus in May
A report on trolleymotion informs that the first Swisstrolley for Winterthur will be delivered in May, with the series delivery from July to May 2011. In contrast to the Swisstrolley3 of other cities, only the third axle will be ... (more)
26.01.2010: Tram Hardbrücke
Zürich is pressing ahead with its plans to extend tram route 8 from its present Harplatz terminus to join the Tram Zürich West line (currently under construction) in a junction at Schiffbau. The trams would run on the outer ... (more)
22.01.2010: Mirage: The End is Nigh
The early days of the new year are seeing the scrapping of the six remaining "Blinde Kühe" (or cabless mirage units of the 1691-1726 series). Confirmed scrapped are 1710, 1712 (all white livery, formerly Coca Cola ad) and 1725. ... (more)
20.01.2010: More tramcasting
Today's online edition of the Tages Anzeiger newspaper reports that following last year's demonstration of a Stadler Tango in Zürich, other manufacturers are lining up to showcase their products. In the case of Siemens, one of Bern's new Combinos ... (more)
15.01.2010: News roundup
The latest issue of Tram magazine (issue 100/11.2009-01.2010), confirms the scrapping of the accident-damaged Tram 2000 number 2060 (scrapped in July 2009), the first tram of its type to be scrapped. Concerning Mirage trams, 1675 which was fitted with ... (more)
14.01.2010: Cobra 3080
The latest addition to the Cobra fleet is number 3080. This tram is in VBZ's blue and white livery, so ending the line of white VBG liveried ones (3062-3079).
14.01.2010: Mirage as exhibition tram
Reports on bahnhofplatz.net suggest that the withdrawn Mirage tram 1626 is being converted to an exhibition tram for static display to inform about the Tram Zürich West project. The new tram line which is currently under construction will connect ... (more)
08.01.2010: Biel tram update
Last year, this website reported on plans to return trams to Biel. The project now has its own website: www.regiotram.ch. It is interesting to observe that the trams used on the artist's impressions are Zürich Cobras, looking very smart indeed ... (more)
08.01.2010: 2009 news
A belated happy new to all readers! All 2009 news items (92 in total) have been moved to: www.proaktiva.ch/tram/zurich/newslog/2009.html#latest. Future tram generation One of the highlights of 2009 was the visit of Basel (BLT) Tango tram 154 in April. This was the last ... (more)