Serfaus Dorfbahn. Image by LEITNER Ropeways.
After 32 years of operations, the Dorfbahn Serfaus is now undergoing a full modernization program. This underground funicular, located in the popular Austrian ski town of Serfaus, operates on a bed of air cushion. It was built in 1986 to reduce traffic congestion in the village, replace crowded buses and to serve as a last mile solution between a car park and ski facilities.
LEITNER ropeways was chosen by Seilbahn Komperdell GmbH to conduct this program of work due to its specialized expertise in cable propelled solutions and air cushion technology. The company is responsible for all technical ropeway services which means the new funicular will be equipped with LEITNER’s quiet and sustainable DirectDrive and user-friendly LEITControl systems. In addition, the company will design and install the funicular’s communication, platform information, video and emergency radio systems.
With LEITNER’s latest air cushion and special DirectDrive technology, these innovative features will maximize safety, efficiency and comfort. Modernized air cushion technology ensures that funicular operations remain silent and with minimal vibrations as it travels underneath the village. The Dorfbahn Serfaus will also be the first DirectDrive installed on a standing traction sheave.
Construction of the funicular will be split into three phases with the system scheduled to open in 2019. Once implementation works are complete, the funicular’s capacity will be increased by 50% to 3,000 passengers per hour per direction.
To learn more about LEITNER ropeways and the Dorfbahn Serfaus, click here.
STATS
| Capacity (pphpd) | 3,000 |
| Speed (m/s) | 11 |
| Drive Power (kw) | 1,500 |
| Length (m) | 1,290 |
| Stations | 4 |
| Vehicle | Trainset with 3 individual cars |
| Drive system | LEITNER DirectDrive |
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6 Comments
How is Leitner air cushion technology different than an Otis Hovair transit system? Please refer to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otis_Hovair
Hi Dave. Sorry the delay, we’re doing some research and see if we can find out what the differences may be. Thanks for your patience.
Dave — there appears to be no major differences. The lift pads are still sourced from Otis.
Since it is expensive to modernize an Otis Hovair transit system, why didn’t Leitner propose using MiniMetro technology to the Serfaus ski resort?
Air cushion was chosen to minimize noise and vibrations to adjacent businesses (hotels, spas etc) which means most of what is heard and felt is from the rope’s propulsion. Maintenance for both systems is similar since replacing air-pads is a relatively simple and quick procedure.
As a result of the Serfaus modernization project, is it now the intention of Leitner to promote air cushion cablecars as an alternative solution to steel wheeled cablecars?