The eight new cars, built by Stadler, will replace the previous ones dating from the 1930s and 1960s, the Pilatus Railway company said on Tuesday. The company plans to have them in service in time for the 2023 summer season (the rail line up to the 2,132 metre-high Pilatus summit runs from May to November each year).
While the new cars are no bigger than the old ones – due to the narrowness of the tunnels on the 4.6-kilometre stretch – they operate according to the same cog-wheel system, which has been in operation since the line was opened in 1889. However, they will be able to climb the mountain around 10 minutes faster than their predecessors.
More
More
How to behave on a Swiss train
This content was published on
Jump on, ride to your stop, hop off — without offending anybody. Sounds easy, but it’s not, warns a guru of Swiss transport etiquette.
They also use around 30% energy than the current cars, largely thanks to a technology which can convert braking energy on the descent into electric energy to power the ascent.
The whole renewal of the fleet – as well as renovation work on the tracks – cost the company some CHF55 million ($55.7 million).
The Pilatus rail is the steepest cog-wheel line in the world, with some sections ramping up to a gradient of 48%.
More
More
Swiss Federal Railways expands night-train service
This content was published on
The latest Swiss train timetable, which came into effect on Sunday, provides new long-distance and regional connections.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Switzerland plans to tighten S-status permits for Ukrainians
This content was published on
Swiss S-status refugee permits should only be granted to Ukrainian regions where life and limb are concretely threatened.
Switzerland wants to examine cooperation with the EU in the defence sector
This content was published on
The Federal Council wants to examine a security and defence partnership with the EU. Exploratory talks are to begin as soon as possible. Among other things, the partnership would be used for defence procurement.
Swiss trial shows organic farming is 85% as productive as conventional agriculture
This content was published on
This is shown by the results of a globally unique open-air trial that has been running for 47 years in Therwil in the canton of Basel-Landschaft.
Nestlé fined by Swiss canton for illegally filtered water
This content was published on
Nestlé has been fined CHF 500,000 in the canton of Vaud for the unauthorised use of activated carbon filters in the production of mineral water. The filters were used to produce Henniez water from 2008 to 2022.
Swiss government proposes restrictions on Ukrainian refugees
This content was published on
Only those whose life and limb are at risk in Ukraine and who flee to Switzerland are to be granted S status in future. The remaining Ukrainian refugees should apply for asylum. This is what the Federal Council is proposing.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss panoramic train to debut in December
This content was published on
The GoldenPass Express (GPX) panoramic train, which will link Montreux to Interlaken without any station changes, will make its debut on December 11.
Swiss railways celebrate anniversary with historic trains
This content was published on
Celebrations have been launched to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the first time-table railway route in Switzerland.
This content was published on
Swiss mechanical and electrical engineering sectors boosted by a significant rebound in export sales and new orders in the first half of 2021.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.