Stadtbahn Glattal
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Stadtbahn Glattal (Glatt valley light rail) is a project to introduce a modern rapid-transit system to the Glattal area to the North of the city of Zürich in Switzerland. Stadtbahn Glattal is being developed as a metre gauge tram system with through running to that of neighbouring Zürich. It is built and owned by the Verkehrsbetriebe Glattal VBG (Glatt valley public transport company)
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[edit] The name
Stadtbahn Glattal is the official denomination of this system. This name is used in all official and legal processes. Elsewhere, the alternative term, Glattalbahn, is frequently subtituted. The latter term correctly refers to the railway line from Wallisellen to Uster. It is, however, widely used for the Stadtbahn Glattal system and is prominent on the official website and advertising material.
[edit] History and development
[edit] Pre-history
The private tramway company Zürich-Oerlikon-Seebach (ZOS) opened a line from Zürich Seebach to Glattbrugg in 1908. At the time, this area was sparsely inhabited and the line was no commercial success. The link was replaced by a bus service in 1931.
In the period following World War II, the Glattal area experienced a rapid boom as population and industry spilled over from nearby Zürich. The development was acceleated by the inauguration of Zürich Airport near Kloten in 1953. The economic growth of the Glattal region is continuing to this day. One of the consequences of the rapid transformation is rising traffic congestion.
[edit] Other public transport in the Glattal area
The area is served by the Zürich S-Bahn providing frequent and fast connections between its stations. There are also fast train connections from Zürich Airport to central Zürich, some calling in Oerlikon. Onward distribution from the railway stations is assured by bus services. However, the bus services are suffering from both road congestion and vehicle overloading. It was recognised in the 1990ies that the construction of a rapid transit system was justified.
Stadtbahn Glattal is sometimes described in German as a Mittelverteiler, ie, intermediate distributor (intermediate between S-Bahn and bus).
[edit] Evaluation of alternatives
Following the evaluation of alternatives, including a monorail system, a metre gauge tram was selected on account of its compatibility with that of neighbouring Zürich and the ability to provide through services.
[edit] Realisation
The regional bus operating authority for the Glattal area, VBG, has been entrusted with managing the implementation of the project.
[edit] Phase 1A
Phase 1A saw city trams extended from Messe to Auzelg. Construction began in 2004 and this line was inuagurated in late 2006. It is operated as an extension of city route 11.
[edit] Phase 1B
Phase 1B will branch from phase 1A and run to Zürich Airport via Opfikon and Glattbrugg. Construction began in 2006 for an opening in 2008. The route will be operated as an extension of city route 10.
[edit] Phase 2
This phase will see the phase 1A line extended from Auzelg via Wallisellen to Bhf. Stettbach in Dübendorf. Construction will begin in 2008 for a 2010 opening.
[edit] Further phases
There are plans to extend the system from the airport via Kloten to Bassersdorf and then on to Dübendorf. The realisation of this so-called Ringbahn Hardwald is not currently a priority.
