Polybahn Zurich - Switzerland
Posted by: 
manchanegra
N 47° 22.593 E 008° 32.640
32T E 465576 N 5247110
The Polybahn is a short funicular in Zürich linking Central with Polyterasse.
Waymark Code: WMBYMR
Location: Zürich, Switzerland
Date Posted: 07/05/2011
Views: 28
The Polybahn is a short funicular in Zürich linking Central with Polyterasse. It is used mainly by students and commuters, for who it provides a fast and reliable link. It has also grown to become a tourist attraction, an icon, in it's own right, and is featured in many tourist guides and on postcards.
The original Polybahn opened in 1889 and operated until 1996. It was refurbished and modified several times, but retaining the original cars and track system. It's history is one of threats and lucky survivals, but these also warded off the wand of modernisation. So this delightful relic clanked on for 107 years.
Concerns for safety and economy of operation finally caught up with the Polybahn. In 1996, it was dismantled and replaced by a new funicular respecting the style of the old one and retaining all principal architectural features of the line.
Specifications:
Propulsion Gear-driven from AC electric motor
Track gauge 1000 mm (39.3 in.)
Length of track 176 m (577 ft.)
Vertical distance between stations 41 m (131 ft.)
Average grade 23%
Speed 2.5 m/sec. (5.6 mph)
Travel time 90 sec.
Coordinates are from the Bottom Station
Visit Instructions:
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