Completely Renovated Pilatus Cog Railway Opens For The Season

After several years of work on the project of the century "Cog railway renewal", Pilatus-Bahnen AG started its 135th season yestday, June 5, with eight new panorama railcars. Just in time for the start, they are also launching a new online reservation system that guests can use to conveniently book their seats on the cog railway from home or on the go. As always, visitors to Mount Pilatus can look forward to numerous event highlights - from astronomy evenings to ibex safaris to the Pilatus on the Rocks music festival.

Lucerne – The time has finally come: after several years of intensive work, the completely renovated Pilatus cog railway is starting its 135th season. When the eight new panorama railcars designed by Thomas Küchler and built by Stadler Rail travel in double traction and in full operation with guests towards Pilatus-Kulm for the first time this Monday, a new era will begin. At the same time, the Pilatus-Bahnen are launching two important technical innovations at the start of the cog railway season: the new driver assistance system and a newly introduced online reservation system for the cog railway.

More safety and comfort thanks to new technologies

In addition to various structural measures implemented as part of the renovation project, such as an additional platform at the valley station and barrier-free access to Pilatus-Kulm, the new driver assistance system developed by Actemium LeitTec specifically for Pilatus-Bahnen AG will also go live next week in operation. It ensures that each train runs on the route reserved exclusively for it and thus makes it impossible for two trains to travel on the same track in opposite directions. Although the new system, which is based on position-based signaling (PBS), would allow autonomous driving, all journeys will continue to be accompanied in the future. Not least to be able to stop the vehicle in good time - for example if there are obstacles on the route - or to be able to look after the passengers immediately in exceptional situations.

Another important innovation at the start of the season is the new online reservation system www.pilatus.ch/reservation visitors can now conveniently book their seat on the cog railway online, which makes the trip to the Pilatus even more comfortable. In addition to reservations, train tickets, overnight stays, experiences or vouchers can of course also be booked online.