tramnews zh
news for year 2019
<news for 2020 | news for 2018>
about this news |
index |
search
Zürich tram page |
Zürich tram links
this page in German
19.12.2019: WSB / AVA update
WSB is the narrow gauge railway (now operated by AVA) connecting Menziken and Schöftland to Aarau.
With WSB's new Stadler Saphir ABe 4/12 70-74 and the ABe 4/8 28-39 now handling most of the traffic, the older Be 4/4 + Bt sets are now relegated to two weekday diagrams. Some of these are in storage in Suhr but are being regularly swapped against the active ones to keep them operational. These are (refit) Be 4/4 16, 17, 20-27. 15 has been converted to a de-icing vehicle. 18 was withdrawn in the 1980s due to fire damage. The last vehicle still in orange livery is 19, which last saw service five years ago and has been cannibailzed for parts. The vehicle is now in Schöftland and awaiting scrapping.
17.12.2019: Tram museum update
According to the November issue of the Tram Museum Zürich newsletter, the tram museum society is having to vacate the stores at Escher-Wyss-Platz depot (Hard depot). The museum has benefitted from being able to use storage space as well as a workshop along the river-facing side of the building for many decades. However, as has been reported previously on this newslog, the depot is to undergo a major rebuild including a new residential block above the rear part of the site (with implied demolition of the various outbuildings, which include the oldest buildings on the site dating back to Industriequartier Strassenbahn, one of the private companies from the early days of the tram system).
The stores hold numerous spare parts for the heritage fleet as well as other items of historic value. Fortunately a new out of town storage site could be identified and the stores will be moved in the first quarter of 2020. The heritage bus workshop will move to Wartau.
Also being moved into off-system storage is crane car Xe 2/2 1952 (that is the one on the Peckham truck) that was until now resident in the Wartau workshop. The Polybahn car presently stored off-system is in poor condition and will be scrapped if no new owner can be found.
Still in progress are the overhaul of the Kurbeli set and of ZOS Ce 2/2 1.
16.12.2019: Preparing electrification of routes 69 and 80
In November, VBZ began planning of the conversion to trolleybus of bus routes 69 and 80. A grant of 3.4 million CHF was received from the canton for this planning. Planning for route 69 will be completed at the end of 2021 and for route 80 a year later. In 2022 the canton will decide on its financial contribution to the electrification. Trolleybus operation of the two routes could commence in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
When I reported on this topic in October 2018, the target completion date was 2023.
Both routes will be physically electrified only on sections, with other sections being negotiated on battery power. Besides the ecological arguments in favour of electrification on these very hilly routes, the measure will allow the use of double-articulated trolleybuses, providing much needed capacity relief.
16.12.2019: Léman Express opens
The Léman Express opened on 12th December. Léman Express is an express commuter service in the Geneva area, the heart of which is a new line connecting Cornavin and Annemasse, which has been under construction for 8 years.
The event was marred somewhat by the strike that affected the French part of the network.
16.12.2019: Limmattalbahn to Fislisbach
With Limmattalbahn now under construction between Schlieren and Killwangen, and the extension to Baden also looking increasingly likely, ideas for further extensions still are coming up. One of these features a conversion of the Nationalbahn railway line between Baden Oberstadt and Fislisbach to tram. The line no longer carries regular passenger trains but is used by SBB as a diversionary route. However, in the longer run SBB may seek to dispose of the line if a planned second direct route between Aarau and Zürich gets built. So this is obviously still a very long term (25 year plus) and speculative proposal for now.
The newspaper article linked below also features a video of the proposed route of the Killwangen to Baden section.
12.12.2019: Bernmobil signs contract for Stadler Tramlink
Bernmobil has signed an order to buy 27 Tramlink type trams from Stadler for 130 million CHF. The first new tram will be delivered in 2022. They will enter service in 2023/4 and replace the Vevey units as well as route 6's RBS (Tram 2000) units.
The contract also contains an option for 23 further trams which could be used on the Ostermundigen line from circa 2027.
The artist's impression is still provisional. The definte design is yet to be finalized with Bernmobil.
10.12.2019: Glattalbahn to Kloten
A website has been launched for the extension of Glattalbahn from Zürich Airport to Kloten: glattalbahn.ch. Glattalbahn is a light rail system, developed as an extension of Zürich's tram system beyond the municipality's northern boundary in three phases between 2004 ... (more)
10.12.2019: End of line for RBS Mandarinli
The days of RBS's iconic Mandarinli trains are coming to a close. When introduced in 1974, they were very much ahead of their time and arguably represented the first true S-Bahn units in Switzerland. They were extended to three ... (more)
10.12.2019: Correction on SZU Be 570
Contrary to what I indicated previously, the Be 570 units to be delivered to SZU will be dual voltage units just like the similar Be 510. Even though their working life requiring DC equipment is likely to be short, developing ... (more)
19.11.2019: Flexity again
Bahnonline.ch has an article on Flexity, including a nice collection of photos. In my view the interior looks quite a bit better than suggested in the earlier mock-ups. It is also indicated that the new Be 6/8 will carry the number 4001.
19.11.2019: Stadler Limmattalbahn tram order signed
Aargau Verkehrs AG (AVA, the company formed by the merger of WSB and BDWM on 19th June 2018, and which holds the contract to operate Limmattalbahn) has signed the 44 million CHF order (which was announced on 23rd October ... (more)
18.11.2019: The Flexity story
A nice summary of the Flexity story, of all that went wrong and that contributed to the ten year procurement saga has been published by NZZ.
18.11.2019: Second Flexity order to be confirmed next year
A decison on the second Flexity order is expected next summer. A fleet of 140 Flexitys should permit a replacement of the entire Tram 2000 fleet (including the third batch) as well as sufficient vehicles to cover anticipated new ... (more)
18.11.2019: SBB and ÖBB to deepen cooperation on night trains
An article on bahnonline.ch reports that SBB and ÖBB are reacting to the increased popularity of night trains. They will look into added capacity for the Zürich - Berlin / Hamburg train, and also at adding couchettes to the ... (more)
15.11.2019: Second Flexity order?
Delivery has only just begun, but VBZ is already thinking about a second Flexity order. In addition to the 70 trams on order, a further 70 are required. According to VBZ's director, Guido Schoch, the original order includes an ... (more)
15.11.2019: More about Flexity
NZZ has published an interesting article on the new Flexity tram (here). According to this, the front design is inspired by the art-deco tram-stop shelters of Paradeplatz and Bellevue. The seats are made of beechwood, which is considered both ... (more)
14.11.2019: Flexity gets welcome in press
Plenty of press coverage of the delivery of the first Zürich Flexity. Much of it using nocturnal pictures of its arrival on a low loader.
14.11.2019: First Neuchâtel GTW in service
The first (ex Trogenerbahn) GTW is reported to have entered service in Neuchatel yesterday.
14.11.2019: More on tram route changes
Further to the previous report on changes to VBZ's tram network that will come into effect on 25th November, bahnonline.ch has a more detailed report. The modifications will reduce the number of trams required to operate the system by 10.
13.11.2019: Flexity touches down in Zürich
The first Flexity is finally here. This report from Basler Zeitung shows it being delivered by way of Hardbrücke in the early hours of this morning and finally being rolled onto Zürich tracks in the yard of the Altstetten workshops at 08:00.
12.11.2019: Flexity spotted in Weil
A Flexity in Weil is probably no special occurence these days. But this one is a Zürich Flexity and it's on the back of a low loader lorry. Spotted today by a member of bahnforum.ch.
12.11.2019: Retrobus collection under threat
Retrobus is a Swiss trolleybus and bus preservation group. Besides having collected numerous vehicles from different fleets, they also have in their care some vintage vehicles previously preserved privately or disposed from the sadly dwindling heritage fleets of the ... (more)
12.11.2019: Nightjet network expands
This newslog has in the past reported about the demise of night trains. The remaining night trains services from Switzerland are now for the most part consolidated in the hands of Austrian Railways (ÖBB) and marketed under the brand ... (more)
11.11.2019: Photo update Alicante
I have added some recent photos from Alicante, principally documenting the abandoned seafront line, but other aspects are also touched on.
Entire series here.
08.11.2019: First Flexity tram to be delivered on 15th November
The first of VBZ's new Flexity trams will be delivered to Zürich on 15th November. The new tram is not, however, expected to appear in service until mid 2020. It is anticipated that there will be 10 of these ... (more)
08.11.2019: More on new Uetliberg trains
Further to yesterday's news item on the new uetliberg trains, an article in 20 Minuten reveals the order for the five Be 570 sets is worth 46.7 million CHF. According to the article, the date of delivery has not ... (more)
07.11.2019: VBZ reacts to rolling stock shortage
The shortage of rolling stock is putting increased strain on VBZ. The delivery of the new Flexity units is delayed, while an increasing number of trams is unavailable due to accident damage. At the same time VBZ is having ... (more)
07.11.2019: Stadler awarded order for new trains for Uetliberg line
Stadler has won an order to supply five new trains to SZU for use on the Uetlibergbahn (S10). The trains will be classified as Be 570 and be operationally compatible to the earlier Be 510 but be built for ... (more)
18.10.2019: Farewell to old trains in Neuchâtel
A farewell event for the old trains on Neuchâtel Littorail (similar to the Forchbahn 2000 units) is planned for 27th October. The actual entry into service of the ex-Trogenerbahn units that are replacing them is not expected until mid-November.
09.10.2019: Swisstrolleyplus in Arnhem
Swisstrolleyplus 183 has recently visited Arnhem in the Netherlands. I am grateful to Harry Sanders for allowing me to share these pictures (taken on 14th September).
09.10.2019: Photo update, various
Recent photos uploaded including trams and trolleybuses at Bucheggplatz, SBB, Spain and Hungary. Full gallery here.
01.09.2019: Photo update: Limmattalbahn opening
Photos from today's events surrounding the opening of Limmattalbahn (here).
21.08.2019: Limmattalbahn opening, and second phase launched
Festivities in Schlieren over the weekend of 31st Auguist / 1st September will mark the opening of the first phase of Limmattalbahn, with trams offering rides on the new section. Some sources suggest that heritage trams will also be ... (more)
15.08.2019: Photo update, Mirage and more
Brief photo update with Mirage 1674 in service, a visit to Hungary and SBB's new double-decker train. Full gallery here.
22.07.2019: 90 times to the moon and back
Yesterday, mankind celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first manned moon landing. Here is VBZ's take on the matter.
17.07.2019: Limmattalbahn and Farbhof update
According to a corresponent on the SwissRail ioGroup, the loop at Farbhof was closed at end of traffic on 12th July (Friday night), with tram route 2 now turning at Letzigrund while the Farbhof turning loop is removed and ... (more)
25.06.2019: Limmattalbahn photos
Following up on my recent report on the first phase of Limmattalbahn, here are some pictures of my visit on 9th June (including the soon to vanish turning loop at Farbhof). See pictures here.
24.06.2019: New AVA trains
Another one I missed previously: The first of the new Stadler-built trains for the Schöftland to Menziken line of AVA (previously AAR, previously WSB) was delivered in Suhr on 18th January (report in Aargauer Zeitung). This is the first ... (more)
24.06.2019: Photo update — Brienz Rothorn Bahn
New pictures uploaded of a rainy day on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn as well as heritage coaches seen in Winterthur.
19.06.2019: Pyongyang pictures
Not quite up to date, but a fascinating internet find. Ex-Zürich Standard Trams in Pyongyang on Richard Lomas' website.
18.06.2019: Restore WSB Saloon car
A society has been formed with the goal of salvaging and restoring to working order WSB's saloon car 115. This bogie car was originally built in 1901, underwent several major rebuilds, and was not withdrawn until 1982, after which ... (more)
18.06.2019: Geissbock tram back in Zürich
Some catching up one news I missed. This newslog announced the return of the Geissbock tram from Lucerne to the Zürich tram museum. The event has been well covered, so here are some links to some of that coverage: Some ... (more)
17.06.2019: Limmattalbahn opening
Infrastructure on the first phase of Limmattalbahn (Farbhof to Schlieren) is approaching completion. The line will commence operation on 2nd September as an extension of route 2. Festivities are planned in Schlieren to accompany this. To permit the line to ... (more)
17.06.2019: New funicular at Zürich airport
A new short funicular is to be built just outside Zürich airport. The area on the other side of the Glattalbahn stop and elevated roadway is being redeveloped with an office, hotel and convention area called The Circle. Just ... (more)
17.06.2019: SZU on rare track
There will be no SZU trains Zürich HB to Selnau from 13.07.2019 to 01.09.2019 (inclusive) due to track work. During this period, some peak trains will be diverted to Wiedikon, creating an opportunity to ride on this otherwise ... (more)
07.06.2019: Basel St Louis: Services suspended over antisocial behaviour
The cross-border tram extension of Basel's route 3 opened amidst much fanfare in 2017. Following incidents of antisiocial and threatening behaviour on the French segment of the line, with individuals aggressing both passengers and staff, BVB suspended the evening ... (more)
04.06.2019: Peckham cantilever truck number 8
Following up on the previous item on this newslog, concerning Peckham cantilever trucks, the same Facebook source has provided a scan of a number 8 truck (from the same catalogue). This is, I believe, the type that was used ... (more)
31.05.2019: Facebook find: Peckham cantilever truck
Interesting find on Facebook, from the 1897 (American) Peckham catalogue, showing "Peckham's 'Standard' Cantilever Extension Truck 6C", and claiming that "Peckham trucks cost 75 per cent less to maintain than any other truck". The design shown appears very similar, ... (more)
31.05.2019: SBB considers bringing back night trains
This newslog has reported the slow demise of night train services from Switzerland. SBB officially pulled out of the business in 2009 but foreign railway companies continued to serve Switzerland. The train to Spain was lost in 2012, and ... (more)
30.05.2019: Trolleybus pics
Some random photos of trolleybuses (and other stuff) I took today on Wehntalerstrasse near Milchbuck. No specific reason.
12.04.2019: Ex-Trogenerbahn trams in Neuchatel
According to reports on the SwissRail io group, the sale of Trogenerbahn 31-35 to Neuchatel fell through in early 2017 as Neuchatel was unable to raise the money. But a fresh agreement was reached later that year. The five ... (more)
28.03.2019: Geissbock returns to Zürich
After 37 years in the transport museum in Luzern, 32 is returning to Zürich. This 6-wheeled tram, built in 1939, is celebrating its 80th birthday this year. Together with its long scrapped sister car, 31, it was a protototype ... (more)
28.03.2019: Cobra trams in trouble again
A routine control late last year revealed fractures in one of the rods fitted under a Cobra tram to guide the wheels into curves (these radially adjusting wheels are an important feature of the Cobra design). Further investigations involving ... (more)
21.02.2019: Mirage back in service soon
According to a correspondent on the SwissRail iO Group, Mirage 1674 is expected to return to service from 25th February (that is, coming Monday). Expected timings will be: On route 8 Monday to Friday only 15:29 Salersteig via Stampfenbachplatz-Sihlquai to Hardturm 16:01 ex ... (more)
25.01.2019: VBZ web article on history of Tram Affoltern
With the tram line to Affoltern slowly but surely moving towards the spades in the ground stage, VBZ has published on its website a history of previous attempts to build a tram line to Affoltern, as well as looking ... (more)
25.01.2019: Internet find, Altdorf tram
Internet find: this rare film footage of the Altdorf tram.
The Altdorf – Flüelen tram operated from 1906 to 1951. More information, pictures and a map can be found on this page of Eingestellte Bahnen.
25.01.2019: 2018 news
News items for 2018 have been moved from the newslog.html main page to the 2018.html page.