Polybahn, Funicular railway in Central district, Zurich, Switzerland
Polybahn is a funicular railway that connects the city center with the ETH Zurich campus in the elevated part of the district. The red transport system covers the steep slope by climbing over 130 feet (41 meters) along a short track.
The funicular opened in 1889 using water-powered technology to pull the cars up the slope. Electric power replaced the original system about a decade later, making it faster and more reliable for daily commuters.
The funicular has become a daily part of student life at ETH Zurich and shapes how the academic community moves through the city. You will notice how the red cars attract a steady stream of people, creating brief moments of connection between the lower and upper neighborhoods.
The funicular runs frequently throughout the day and accepts regular city transit passes or single trip tickets. It is a quick way to avoid climbing the steep slope on foot, especially when carrying bags or during bad weather.
Two large cabins share a single track and pass each other at a midpoint loop without colliding. This clever design lets both directions run continuously, keeping wait times short even during busy periods.
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