Funicular
A Funicular is a bottom-support fixed grip transit system primarily designed for inclines. This form of transportation in often used as a last-mile solution where other modes cannot ascend steep geographic areas.
A funicular typically has two passenger vehicles (cars) or two groups of vehicles. The cars counterbalance each other and as one ascends the other descends. In this configuration, both cars are fixed to one haul rope
Funiculars were historically constructed with two parallel tracks. This configuration is shown in the graphic below. Modern funiculars often implement a mid-way passing point, allowing for one lane of track for most of the length of the system. This improvement reduces the cost and time to construct a funicular. The concept for this layout is show in layouts 2 and 3 below.
Major Characteristics
Support: Bottom-supported by track.
Grip: Fixed
Cables: One cable that loops over a pulley at the upper end of the tracks shuffling both cars
Speed: 8 m/s to 14 m/s
Capacity: 10 to 400 passengers
Tracks: Ground or elevated structure
Cost: US $10 million/km to $60 million/km
The Gondola Project has profiles on several Funicular systems, including:
- Montjuïc Funicular in Barcelona, Spain
- Trieste Opincina Tramway Funicular in Trieste, Italy
- Schywz-Stoos Funicular in Schwyz, Switzerland
- Zurich’s Urban Funiculars in Zurich, Switzerland
- Salzburg Festungsbahn Funicular in Salzburg, Austria
