Cossonay–Gare–Ville funicular, Mountain transport system in Cossonay, Switzerland.
The Cossonay funicular railway connects the lower railway station to the elevated town above, covering about 1200 meters of track while rising 135 meters vertically. Two cabins, each with 47 seats, travel on a single rail with a passing loop that allows the cabins to cross each other during their journeys.
Built in 1897, the system originally relied on water counterweight to move the cabins up and down the slope. A major rebuild in 1982 switched it to electric power, which continues to operate it reliably today.
The name reflects its role connecting the railway station to the town above it. For residents, the funicular is part of daily routine, making the steep climb manageable and integrating this transport into the fabric of village life.
The journey takes about 6 minutes to cross steep terrain, so the cabins are built to handle the incline safely. Visitors should be aware that these are enclosed spaces where the ride can feel jerky in certain weather conditions.
The cabins were manufactured by Gangloff specifically for this route and are custom-fitted to the slope's particular demands. The system uses two separate steel cables, one for pulling and one for maintaining tension, which is a specialized technical solution rarely seen in smaller funiculars.
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