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Newslog 2010
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This page presents news and other items of interest concerning the Zürich tram system and connected topics.
This is not the official information page of any organisation. All opinions expressed here are my own or belong to those to whom they are attributed. Whereas care is taken to ensure the correctness of news, no claim is made to total accuracy.
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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 was VBZ's 125th anniversary tram (photos of that here). The tram will run on routes 8 and 15.
20 Minuten
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 have since been lingering as spares. The overall length of such a combination would, however, be longer than anything VBZ currently operates and exceed the permissible length at many stops. As a compromise, tests were performed with shortened end couplings. These would of course not normally have to couple with anything but should still assure emergency towability. The front coupling also provides the driver with some additional crash-protection, and the new solution would have to fulfill this function in a similar manner. 2120 was briefly tested in late 2009 with a shortened front-coupling, modified from that salvaged from a cabless Mirage, but after this the topic was not mentioned again. The set 2105+2435 is, however, now operating on route 7 (since at least Saturday 10th July) with such shortened couplings at both ends (of course the couplings between the two cars are of normal length and type).
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.
A correspondent has sent me this impressive YouTube video of the last day of Mirage operation.
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 in Altstetten to be transformed to a Ballet tram, in which guise it will return to service from mid August to late October. The others are spare units and not likely to see much use. Tram 2000 number 2005 (previously Ewigi Liebi tram) has also returned to the paint shop and is receiving another special livery.
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.
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".
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 also theoretically be able to bid for the actual work (personally I would like to see Leoliner considered, the tram can actually be built in Switzerland as Kirow have acquired the former Ramseier und Jenzer and have, among others, supplied rolling stock to MOB).
In terms of ride quality, all three demonstrators managed to outperform the Cobra (albeit Cobra's problems don't occur on new vehicles). In terms of design though, I still feel that the clean lines and quality materials put the spartan and messy modern design with their different window sizes, plastic seats and clinical intrior lighting to shame. I hope that VBZ will specify a higher quality of design.
Of all the manufacturers, Bombardier was the most proactive in profiling itself. All along route 11 posters went up pointing out Bombardier's connections to Zürich and Switzerland. Obviously, the company is trying to break through the mould of Stadler being perceived as only local manufacturer. Bombardier has high-tech engineering facilities in Zürich Oerlikon and a manufacturing plant in Villeneuve. It employs several hundred people. The company has absorbed, directly or indirectly, the majority of Swiss train makers but has sadly downsized its inheritance, lost market share and ultimately become an outsider in what could have been a captive market.
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 in an unknown location.
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 announcement concerning the replacment of the remaining GTZ (numbers 101-143 of 1994). However, a possible clue has emerged in an article in the Zürich Nord newspaper, which in an article on changes to the bus routes serving Affoltern, mentions that VBZ wishes to use double-articulated trolleybuses on route 32 from December 2012. This could of course also be realised by redeploying existing trolleybuses, and so would not necessarily require new vehicles. Watch this space!
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 these depots but wheras the North depot appears to be a new proposal, the West depot is likely to be that previously mentioned here (Aargauerstrasse).
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 18 are currently being prepared for despatch to Vinnitsa.
Mirage fans are reminded that a farewell tour is taking place this Sunday (6th June).
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 the BLT Tango and Bern Combino.
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 the S-Bahn. In total 2 thousand million Franks have been invested in the S-Bahn, with another 2 thousand million of further investments planned. ZVV was launched simultaneously with the opening, introducing a zonal fare structure covering all forms of public transport and carriers. In the following 20 years, ZVV usage has grown more than 150% reaching 1.6 million daily passengers.
No major festivities are lanned to mark this anniversary, however. For that, ZVV is awaiting its 25th anniversary and the opening of the second cross-town link.
Tages Anzeiger, 20 Minuten
Cobra deliveries have reached number 3087. Only one Cobra remains to be delivered.
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 the best possible New Routemaster production by orders of magnitude – were hardly discussed when introduced and haven't been mentioned much since. Maybe, after all, a bus is just a consumable or a commodity and not expected to create awareness or make a statement. The fact that London is getting a custom designed bus isn't that unusual either. It wasn't that long ago that most major operators would specify their own buses to a high level of detail and get involved in the design process. But that's not the way things are done any more (and today trams are heading the same way down the road of standardisation). The New Routemaster has been criticsed as being too expensive or being about fulfiling the folly of London's eccentric major. I don't know enough details to comment on that. But the fact that a bus is getting this level of attention cannot in itself be bad. There are points of the design that can be quibbled over (I don't like the irregular window spacing, which I don't like on trams either), but the bus does certainly capture some of the essence of the original Routemaster or even earlier London designs (especially the rear with its round domed roof and the suggestion of an open stair) while still being a forward looking design. But even if all this is all just spin, it cannot be a bad thing if people start talking about and becoming aware of bus design.
Another nice feature about the New Routemaster is its diesel-electric drive. Maybe this is making a future trolleybus version possible?
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 2014.
Website comment: The article reports some rather tenuous arguments by BVB. An argument against the Tango is that BVB needs trams of different lengths (for example to be able to serve the Bruderholz lines). One wonders whether it was really not possible to obtain a shorter Tango, or indeed why this fact only occurred to BVB now. But it gets even stranger, with "Peak Oil" and an aging population being cited. If BVB is really so concerned about Peak Oil, one wonders why they were so desperate to get rid of the trolleybus. Arguments as to why the Tango should be more oil-hungry than a Siemens tram are not provided.
The original newpaper article can be read here (external link).
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. The tram line to Bümplitz (Tram Bern West) that replaces trolleybuses 13 and 14 (actually discontinued in 2006) will open this December. As it is feared that the additional trams will lead to congestion on Marktgasse, it is proposed to divert trolleybus route 12 via Bundesplatz. Rather than constructing overhead lines, it is proposed to use duo buses for this. Duo buses will be tested in Bern for this purpose.
See also: This website's trolleybus page.
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 museum) at 09:00 and finishes at circa 13:30 at Hauptbahnhof. The tour will offer plenty of opportunties for photographs, and include a run to the airport. Registration is not necessary. Costs are 20 Franks for adults (10 for children).
Website comment: This tour does probably not mark the final turn for this type. It is more likely that Mirage numbers will dwindle further as the last Cobras arrive, and that the last working some time this Summer will be rather inconspicuous. It is furthermore planned that a number of units will be retained as spares for some time and some of these could even return to traffic with the opening of the two tram extensions (end of this and next year). On the other hand, the increased flexibility with which trams are exchanged between routes decreases the overall need for spare units. The large scale Mirage revival that some enthusiasts are wishing for is not likely to happen.
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 and comfort. The seating arrangement proved less popular. The red colour was also criticised.
The trial will be followed up by an Augsburg Flexity tram later this year, takingh the total number of tested trams to three. The first was a Basel Tango, tested last year.
Tages Anzeiger
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 small systems' future.
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 Zürich (75%) and Aargau (25%).
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.
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.
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Tram 2000 first series |
With the exception of Basel, Nancy and Street Parade, all these names take after after districts, neighbourhoods or areas of Zürich. Some names appear to be matched to the numbers randomly while others echo the city district (Kreis) numbers. Besides the names, the corresponding arms are also carried.
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 that must be payed for being 100% low floor and not really the Combino's fault. It is rare for newspapers to go into this level of technical detail and still get it right, so well done NZZ for not dumbing down! All articles speak of the order which is at stake being for 60 trams. This is most likely a misinterpreation, with 60 being the number of first batch Tram 2000 units to be replaced (2001-45 and 2301-15). With longer trams replacing coupled sets, but new lines also needing to be covered, the number of new units is likely to be a bit more than half that number.
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 a spare unit by VBZ.
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 Valparaiso and its effect on operations.
The blog entry (in Spanish) can be read at: trolleybusvalparaiso.blogspot.com/2010/03/terremoto-en-chile-valparaiso-sector.html.
See also: The world's oldest active articulated trolleybus (21st Oct 2009)
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 the city for the UITP conference, and ran in passenger service between Hauptbahnhof and Hallenstadion. At the same time, a Saarbrücken tram-train also visited the city and was operated on the Seetal railway as well as providing a demonstration run from Oerlikon to Zurzach.
The prototype (first presented in 1996) also visited many other cities, running on both meter and standard gauge trucks. It was finally retired in circa 2001 and came to Potsdam where it was apparently originally intended as a modern museum car but was finally overhauled and entered service as number 400 in 2009. The car is relevant to Potsdam as this was the first city to order the type. 48 Combinos were ordered in 1996 for delivery over a longer period. With only 16 of these delivered (between 1998 and 2001), Potsdam cancelled its order in view of the uncertainties caused by the March 2004 withdrawal of Combinos across the world. Potsdam 401-16 are five section vehicles (with 12 wheels). The prototype (number 400) is the only Combino in the world to have 4 sections (10 wheels). This includes one unusual end section with a single "axle".
Potsdam Combino information: www.tram2000.de/html/combino1.html
1998 UITP report from Regenbogen (VBZ staff magazine) from Tram Museum Zürich archive: www.tram-museum-archiv.ch/Seiten_Rueckspi/uitp-D.shtml (also source of above pictures)
See also this website's Combino gallery (unfortunately without the prototype)
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.
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 units also eases a phased realisation as it simplifies the construction of temporary terminii.
Limmattalbahn is a project to link Zürich Altstetten to Killwangen. It will connect with both Zürich's tram system and the Bremgarten-Dietikon narrow gauge railway (BDWM).
Prellbock (1/10)
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 line in the French resort of Villard de Lans. When this project collapsed, there remained some hope that some vehicles could at least survive in the form of refreshment booths in Lausanne; but even this less ambitious idea came to naught. The three locomotives and one railcar were scrapped in October 2009, followed by the five trailers and the second railcar (111) in January.
Prellbock (1/10)
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 use there. The article takes a comprehensive look at the system's history, and also for the first time (for me anyway) presents a system map. The system has six tram routes. Karpfen are used on routes 4 and 5 and Mirage on routes 1, 4 and 5. Conductors travel on all vehicles, which sometimes limits the ability to run coupled sets. So far, double Mirage sets have not been operated as such long sets are not yet passed for service.
Strassenbahn Magazin (2/1010)
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 decison comes as a surprse from an operator that has obtained its new trams exclusively from Bombardier (and predecessor companies) for more than 50 years.
Schweizer Eisenbahn Revue (3/2010)
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.
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 January. The lorry sank into the soft verge of the road and had to be recused by two cranes, blocking the A98 during the morning rush hour. It is to avoid such situations that Zürich's Cobras are delivered by rail.
Schweizer Eisenbahn Revue (3/2010)
The first of RBS's Tram 2000 units to be stretched with a low-floor section is 89. It is currently being tested. The nine trams of this type are being extended by 8m to 40m (making them Be4/10) for 10 million Franks. Besides increasing capacity, this rebuild is providing low flow accomodation on these otherwise high-floor vehicles.
Prellbock (1/10)
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 in service in April. A second unit followed in January. Delivery of the remaining 12 units will commence in June and be completed by mid 2011.
The Diamant order is worth 84 million Franks and will replace the entire present passenger fleet. Be4/8 21-25 are being sold to WSB. BDe8/8 1-9 are to be scrapped – with the exception of one unit, which is to be preserved locally. An organisation has been formed with the goal of looking after this unit, and is currently seeking members and supporters.
Information on this organisation, as well as pictures of the new trains, can be found on the BDWM website.
BDWM has announced an open day for 29th May, featuring a naming ceremony for the two new units.
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 their satisfactory performance, 15 further units (December 2009). Initial plans had intended that this would be followed by further orders of 21 for BLT and 20 for BVB. Whereas BLT appears to be satisfied with the type, BVB doesn't seem so sure. According to bahnhofplatz.net, BVB is to perform further studies to define its future trams needs.
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.
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 section of completed track at Duttweilerbrücke, in front of the archway-shaped pedestrian overpass that will no doubt become a landmark of this neighbourhood. 1626 acts as a visual ambassador for the coming tram extension and hopefully creates some understanding for the disruptions caused by the construction work. Let's hope the vandals respect the tram!
A short series of pictures of this tram in the snow, also featuring another Mirage at nearby Harplatz, can be found here.
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 to pay. Since then, a new director has taken over at Sarajevo who managed to revive the deal. So far the cash has been raised to buy 11 trolleybuses (the first five of which left Sankt Gallen by rail today). It is still though that all 17 trolleybuses could go to the Bosnian capital.
bahnhofplatz.net and stgallerbus.de.tl
*) 155 was converted to a double articulated in 2005 and will remain in Sankt Gallen for the time being.
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 powered (rather than axles 2 and 3). These 21 trolleybuses were ordered in February 2009 as a replacement for the Mercedes/ABB GTZ.
See also this website's trolleybus page.
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 lanes of the existing Hardbrücke road bridge, serve Hardbrücke railway station, and return to ground level using the West side approach ramp at Schiffbau. This would entail crossing the centre lanes on the busy road viaduct at Hardbrücke station. The extension is phase two of VBZ's Vision 2025, and would help relieve pressure on the centre-area tram network by interconnecting the neighbourhoods north and south of the railway lines. With this link in place, route 8 will run through to Werdhözli (route 4 will switch to Bahnhof Altstetten).
The link is estimated to cost 89.3 million Franks. Work could begin in 2015 for an opening in 2017.
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. The other three are 1711, 1723 and 1724. All have been out of use for several months. Their final departure will mark the end of this sub-type in Zürich, with none being preserved. Three do, however, survive in Vinnitsa (ex 1715, 1717 and 1718). Time is also running out for the other Mirages. They have practically vanished from route 13 and are getting rarer on route 2. They still have route 8 to themselves on most days but here too heir days are numbered. VBZ would like to see the type vanish by Summer, with the final Cobra deliveries making them dispensable. Some units will be kept for emergencies and a number of these will probably return to regular use with tram line extensions to be opened in December 2010 (Glattalbahn phase three) and December 2011 (Tram Zürich West).
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 trams will stop off in Zürich en route to its new home. Bombardier, who are referred to as "a Canadian manufacturer" in the article, with no reference to the Cobra, will demonstrate a Flexity from a yet to be announced city (maybe Geneva? — The tram in the article's photograph is from Brussels, which is less likely).
Tages Anzeiger, article here
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 matrix displays in 2008, is reported as having this change reverted. Folowing Mirages were scrapped in 2009: 1607/21/41/4-5. 1686 has been withdrawn following an accident. The following cars are reported in store or spare: 1606/8-9/10-1/3/6/8/23-8/30-38/40/2/86/710-2/23-5 (some of these have since left for Vinnitsa). Still in service on routes 2, 8 and 13 are: 1629/46/9-53/5-9/60/2-9/72-82/4-5/8.
In Luzern, there are plans to build a new trolleybus line to Littau Gasshof to replace motor bus route 12. A realisation is considered possible within two years.
The days of Be8/8 trams with FFA B4 (standard tram) trailers is coming to an end in Bern. One set will be retained for the tram museum, with the other Be8/8s joining their sister units in Iasi (Romania). The trailers will be scrapped.
The first of Neuchâtel's new Hess trolleybuses has been delivered.
Prellbock magazine (issue 6/09) reports on the visit of Basel (BLT) Tango 154 to Bern. This tram was demonstrated from 11-14th November for the benefit of visitors of the Suissetraffic fair. This is the same tango that visited Zürich in April. The magazine also has an interesting article on Stadler's new Allegra units for Rhaetische Bahn, and on the delivery of the final NeXT units for RBS (RABe4/12 numbers 21-26).
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 Escher Wyss Platz to Bahnhof Altstetten (North side) and will open in December 2011.
This is not the first exhibition tram to be used to inform on this project. Between 2005 and 2007, standard trailer 768 stood in front of Schiffbau. I am not sure where 1626 will be located.
The previous exhibition tram, 768, has been sold to the transport author, bus preservationist and tour organiser, Jürg Biegger. His website is www.widi.ch/hnf/, and includes information on his preserved buses, his books, and the tours he is operating. The tram can be seen on a photo here.
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 in their ultra-glossy dark red livery, no doubt inspired by Bern.
Of course it is highly unlikely for a number of reasons that Cobras will ever really run in Biel. However, the artist's choice does underline that this is still considered a modern type despite going back more than 10 years.
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 of the four Basel prototypes and actually visited Zürich before coming to Basel! The event was well reported in the local press and led to many positive comments. The tram's positive performance does not however preempt any decison, as the final order will be subject to a tendering process which will be started this year. Even so, this combined with various negative reports on noise, vibrations and wear and tear on Cobras, could be interpreted as subtle pressure on Alstom and Bombardier to resolve those issues.
Cobra
Meanwhile, Cobra deliveries are continuing. Units delivered in 2009 are from (circa) 3067 to 3079 plus 3001 to 3005. 3074 was the last unit of the initial order and delivery of this was followed by nos. 3001-5 as replacements/rebuilds of the prototypes with the same numbers. Delivery then began of the option, starting with number 3075. Numbering will ultimately reach 3088. With the exception of 3001-5, all Cobras delivered in 2009 are in VBG livery (white with a blue waist band) for use on route 10 and the future route 12 (to be opened in December 2010). Trams in this livery have, however, already interloped onto other routes.
Mirage
Ongoing Cobra deliveries have led to a rapid shrinking of the Mirage fleet (I intend to post an up to date list of remaining units at a later date). Some withdrawn units have found a new home in Vinnitsa (Ukraine). However, even with all Cobra deliveries complete, there will be insufficient units available to make all Mirages redundant (VBZ having let its option for further Cobras lapse) and it seems that about 15 Mirages may live to see further years of service in Zürich. For this purpose selected units have been fitted with new IBIS equipment (for tracking and signalling). For all other Mirage trams, 2010 will doubtlessly be their final year in service in Zürich.
Passenger information displays
Another marked change during 2009 has been the installation of passenger information displays, both at stops and on vehicles. Those on the vehicles do not only assure that information displayed is up-to-date at all times (including informing of late running etc of connecting services) but replaces the line-specific fixed displays so permitting the vehicles to be depoyed more flexibly on different routes.
New lines
2009 has also seen work progress on the Tram Zürich West line. The street running railway goods siding at Hardbrücke had to be diverted for this purpose. The new tram line will open in 2011. The third phase of Glattalbahn is also approaching completion, for an opening at the end of 2010. Looking further into the future, planning on Limmattalbahn, the light rail link from Altstetten via Schlieren and Dietikon to Killwangen, is making good progress. 2009 also saw a major track layout remodelling and replacement exercise in the Stadelhofen area.
See also:
2006 news
2007 news
2008 news.
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