Bern Urban Rail and Tram Bern West Project, Switzerland

This article delves into the Bern West project, a significant expansion of Bern’s tram network in Switzerland. The project aims to address increasing passenger demand in the western part of the city, projected to experience substantial commercial and residential growth. Currently served by an overburdened bus and trolleybus system, the western expansion promises improved public transport infrastructure, increased capacity, and better connectivity. The project’s success hinges on seamless integration with existing rail and tram systems, efficient construction management to minimize disruption, and the introduction of modern, high-capacity rolling stock. We will analyze the project’s planning, implementation, integration with existing infrastructure (including the existing RBS (Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn) and Bernmobil networks and the SBB (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen) national rail network), and the impact on the overall public transport system in Bern. The analysis will also consider the financial investment, technological advancements in rolling stock and signalling, and the long-term implications for sustainable urban transportation within the city.

Project Overview and Planning

The Bern West project represents a substantial investment in Bern’s public transport infrastructure. Originating from a 1995 city-approved feasibility study, the project faced significant hurdles before gaining final approval in late 2006. Construction commenced in April 2008, divided into 33 distinct segments to minimize disruption to the city’s daily operations. The project’s primary goal is to extend tram coverage westward, adding approximately 7km of new track and serving new termini at Brünnen and Bümpliz. The project is integrated with the broader goal of improving Bern’s public transportation system, including upgrades to the main railway station (Bahnhof Bern).

Infrastructure Integration and Gauge Considerations

A key challenge lies in integrating the new metre-gauge tram lines with the existing infrastructure. Bern’s tram network, operated by Bernmobil and RBS, utilizes metre-gauge track, differing from the standard-gauge (1,435mm) national rail network operated by SBB. To accommodate SBB freight traffic, 7km of RBS track north of the city is dual-gauged. The project requires careful planning to ensure seamless integration at points where tram and rail lines intersect, particularly within the city center around Bahnhof Bern, the busiest section of the network. The newly rebuilt Bahnhof Bern, completed in May 2008 as part of the “Neuer Bahnhofplatz Bern” redevelopment project (SwFr97m or approximately €63m), serves as a central hub for trams and buses.

Rolling Stock and Technological Advancements

The Bern West project necessitates a significant upgrade to the rolling stock. Bernmobil ordered 21 Siemens Combino Classics trams (SwFr100m or approximately €65m) in November 2007, to be delivered between 2009 and 2010. These modern, low-floor trams offer increased passenger capacity (exceeding that of articulated buses by 100 passengers), air conditioning, improved passenger information systems, and accessibility features including integral ramps for disabled passengers. The Combino Classics are longer (42m) and feature more modules than the existing Combino fleet. Existing RBS rolling stock is also being upgraded, with new low-floor center sections supplied by Stadler Rail. These upgrades aim to improve the overall passenger experience and increase the efficiency of the entire network.

Project Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Bern West project successfully expanded Bern’s tram network, significantly enhancing public transport in a rapidly developing area of the city. The project demonstrates a commitment to sustainable urban transportation, addressing growing passenger demand and integrating new technology into the existing infrastructure. The careful segmentation of construction minimized disruption, ensuring the city’s daily operations continued smoothly. The integration of new, high-capacity trams alongside upgrades to the existing fleet has improved overall capacity and passenger comfort. The project’s success serves as a model for other cities facing similar challenges of urban growth and increasing public transport demands. Future developments include the scheduled opening of a new RBS terminus at Bern’s main station in 2014, further supporting increased capacity and accessibility. The integration of various ticketing systems across all modes of public transport within the region ensures a seamless passenger experience. The successful implementation of the Bern West project, along with ongoing upgrades and future expansion plans, positions Bern as a leader in sustainable and efficient urban transportation in Switzerland.

Company Information:

• SBB (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen): The Swiss Federal Railways, responsible for the national railway network.
• BLS AG: A Swiss railway company operating Bern’s S-Bahn network and regional rail services.
• RBS (Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn): A regional public transport company in the Bern-Solothurn region.
• Bernmobil: Bern’s public transport operator, responsible for trams, buses, and trolleybuses within the city.
• ABB-Vevey (now part of ABB): A Swiss manufacturer of rolling stock.
• Siemens Mobility: A global provider of rail transport technology and infrastructure.
• Stadler Rail: A Swiss manufacturer of rail vehicles.
• Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom): A global manufacturer of rail vehicles.