| Polybahn | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Overview | |
| Other names | Zürichbergbahn; Seilbahn Limmatquai–Hochschulen |
| Status | In operation |
| Owner | UBS-Polybahn AG (since 1998);SBG-Polybahn AG (1976–1998, name change);Zürichbergbahn-Gesellschaft (1889–1976) |
| Locale | City of Zurich,Switzerland |
| Termini |
|
| Stations | 2 |
| Website | polybahn.ch |
| Service | |
| Type | Funicular |
| Route number | 2700 |
| Operator(s) | Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich |
| Rolling stock | 2 for 50 passengers each |
| History | |
| Opened | 8 January 1889; 136 years ago (1889-01-08) |
| Single-track | 1996 |
| Technical | |
| Track length | 176 metres (577 ft) |
| Number of tracks | 1 withpassing loop |
| Rack system | - (before 1996:Abt) |
| Track gauge | 955 mm (3 ft 1+19⁄32 in)[1] |
| Electrification | 1897 (water counterbalancing before) |
| Operating speed | 2.5 metres per second (8.2 ft/s) |
| Highest elevation | 450 m (1,480 ft) |
| Maximum incline | 26% (avg. 23%) |
ThePolybahn, also known as theUBS Polybahn, is afunicular in the city ofZurich, Switzerland. The line links theCentral square with the terrace (Polyterrasse) by the main building ofETH Zurich, which was formerly calledEidgenössisches Polytechnikum, and from which the railway derives its name. Thetop station is also close to theNatural History Museum.
Previous names for the line include theSBG Polybahn and theZürichbergbahn. The line is owned by the banking groupUBS AG, and operated on their behalf by the municipal transport operatorVerkehrsbetriebe Zürich.[2][3][4][5]
The Polybahn is one of two funiculars within the city of Zurich, the other being theRigiblick funicular in the city's northern suburbs. Additionally, the city'sDolderbahnrack railway was originally a funicular, until its conversion torack working in the 1970s.
In 1886 a concession for the railway was issued, and the line was opened by the Zürichbergbahn company in 1889. The funicular was initially water-driven (filling water in a ballast tank under the carriage at the top station, emptying at the bottom); the railway was converted to electric drive in 1897.[6]
In 1950 the Zürichbergbahn company began losing money, and eventually (in the 1970s) decided not to renew the concession. In 1972 a foundation was created to help preserve the Polybahn. In 1976 theUnion Bank of Switzerland, then known in German as theSchweizerische Bankgesellschaft or SBG, rescued the Polybahn, branding it as the SBG Polybahn. The line and cars were refurbished for a planned 20 more years service.[6]
In 1996 the railway was completely rebuilt. The haulage mechanism was replaced, and fully automated, whilst the old three-rail tracks were replaced with the current two-rail tracks. On 21 October 1996 the railway reopened and is now advertised under the name UBS Polybahn, reflecting the rebranding (in 1998) of the owning banking group as UBS AG. In 1998 the line set a new record, carrying more than 2 million passengers.[6]
On 30 May 2021 the Polybahn was closed for refurbishment, with the cars being removed by crane. The Polybahn reopened on 17 September 2021.[7][8]
The line has the following parameters:[4][5][2]
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of cars | 2 |
| Number of stops | 2 |
| Configuration | Single track withpassing loop |
| Mode of operation | Automated |
| Drive | Three-phaseAC motor withfrequency changer |
| Track length | 176 metres (577 ft) |
| Rise | 41 metres (135 ft) |
| Averagegradient | 23% |
| Track gauge | 955 mm (3 ft 1+19⁄32 in) |
| Capacity | 50 persons per car |
| Maximum speed | 2.5 metres per second (8.2 ft/s) |
| Capacity per direction | 1200 Persons/hour |
| Travel time | 100 seconds |
| Frequency | Every 2.5 minutes |
The standardZürcher Verkehrsverbund zonal fare tariffs apply, with the whole of the line being withinfare zone 110 (formerly zone 10; Zurich city).[9] A special Polybahn ticket is also available; it costs less than the regular 110 fare.[10]
47°22′35″N8°32′38″E / 47.37639°N 8.54389°E /47.37639; 8.54389
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