Following over 45 years of service, the Rigiblick Funicular is ready for the future: In August, Zurich Public Transport (VBZ) unveiled the new cabins.

The new vehicles meet modern technical standards and comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. Finished in the blue and white livery of the VBZ, their design is inspired by the city’s latest trams.

Inside, the cabins offer more space, modern passenger information systems, and an overhead skylight—inspired by the Rigiblick Theatre—ensuring greater comfort and providing a unique, recognizable identity.

Technical Features

The cabin replacement also includes a full upgrade of the control system. The Rigiblick Funicular will operate fully automatically, feature three intermediate stations, handle gradients of up to 36%, and run daily from early morning until after midnight.

An intensive testing phase will run until its reintroduction to service on September 26, 2025. During this period, the systems will be rigorously tested, staff will be trained, and operational procedures will be optimized to ensure the funicular returns to scheduled service on time and with full reliability.

The Rigiblick Funicular operates in Zurich’s Oberstrass district, connecting the valley station on Universitätsstrasse with the Rigiblick mountain station on Zürichberg. It holds the distinction of being Switzerland’s first fully automated, licensed funicular with intermediate stops, serving a total of five stations.