Garaventa: Renewed Cable Car To Bern’s Local Mountain

Garaventa has comprehensively modernized the Gurtenbahn, which has connected Wabern with Bern's local mountain Gurten since 1899, and implemented technical upgrades and improvements in accessibility to mark the 125th anniversary in order to facilitate access to the popular local recreation area Gurten Park.

Garaventa AG, as general contractor, took over responsibility for the cable car technology. This included the renovation of the drive (gearbox and motor), the installation of a diesel-hydraulic emergency drive and the replacement of the brake hydraulic unit.

Despite an unchanged capacity of 120 people , the newly designed car bodies by Calag Carrosserie Langenthal AG offer an improved layout and ground-level access, which enables barrier-free use for strollers, mobile walking aids and wheelchairs. In addition, the middle compartments with separate entrances can be used by bikers to reach the local downhill route. Large panoramic windows offer passengers a clear view of the city of Bern and the surrounding landscape. To ensure a pleasant travel temperature despite the panoramic glazing, the train has five electrically controlled roof windows that open and close automatically thanks to temperature sensors. In addition, outside air can be blown into each compartment if required.

A new 32mm Performa rope from Fatzer AG reduces noise emissions in urban environments. The cable car control system was renewed by Sisag AG and enables autonomous operation thanks to a monitoring system with 37 cameras, a guest information system and people counting. Platform doors were also installed in the stations so that guests can get on and off easily and safely.

120-FUL Wabern–Gurten, Switzerland