Garaventa: Accessibility And Automation For The Schattdorf-Haldi Cable Car

The cable car to the Haldi was extensively modernized in the summer. The latest renovation brings the system up to date in terms of technology and meets the legal requirements of the Disability Equality Act (BehiG) and ensures that the cable car is accessible to everyone. In addition, the cable car can now be operated in fully automatic mode.

As part of the modernization, the AURO (Autonomous Ropeway Operation) system was implemented, which enables the autonomous operation of the cable car - an innovation that required extensive adjustments. Sisag AG made mechanical and electrical additions to the existing control system. In addition, the cabin and platform doors were automated, and the entire entry and exit area was newly enclosed. An innovative solution in the form of an "imaginary threshold" at the platform doors detects bicycles and strollers, thus enabling precise counting of people when boarding and exiting. Displays and announcements also help to organize the flow of guests.

The cable car is currently controlled from the mountain station via the Ropeway Operation Center (ROC) and can be operated manually or autonomously as required. In the medium term, it is planned to also monitor and control operations remotely.

Barrier-free access for all

The cabins have been extensively upgraded to meet the requirements of the BehiG. New, centrally positioned, double-leaf cabin doors make it easier for wheelchair users and passengers with strollers or bicycles to get in and out. By moving the control cabinets to the cabin roof, passengers have more space in the cabins. Particular attention was paid to the signage and acoustics to ensure that all guests can use the cable car without any problems. As part of the renovation, various revisions were also carried out on the suspension cables, tension cables, drives and the braking system.

"The implementation of the BehiG specifications for an existing cable car installation in combination with the requirements of the AURO system was a special challenge," explains Thomy Kempf, project manager at Garaventa. "Thanks to the excellent cooperation of all those involved in the project, we were able to successfully solve the unconventional problems and hand over the system to the Schattdorf-Haldi cable car cooperative on time for the start of school."