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LO - Lausanne Ouchy

(photo Michel Azéma October 2002)

Description

In 1877 was built the first Swiss funicular, called "La Ficelle", to link Ouchy to the center of Lausanne. In 1958 the funicular was transformed into cog wheel train (Strub system) with the intermediate stations: Jordils and Montriond. This is a single track line (double track at Montriond station to allow crossing of trains) with two 2-car-trains using a kind of electric locomotive. Trains provide a fast and frequent (6-10 minutes) service between Flon and Ouchy via the Swiss Federal Railways Station (Gare CFF). The line is now referred to as Métro-Ouchy or M2. The M2-Project is planned to replace the cog wheel trains with a fast on-tire subway (like the Ligne 1 in Paris). The M2-Project will link Ouchy to Epalinges with 14 stations and 15 trains.

Map

This is a GREAT document ! This is the Gare station (Green point on the map) On the left is the entrance of the bottom station for the funicular Gare-Flon ("FUNICULAIRE pour la VILLE") with its track and the carriage under the tunnel. On the right side of the postcard is the Gare station of the funicular Lausanne-Ouchy ("SALLE D'ATTENTE Lausanne Ouchy") the entrance of the station is on the extreme right of the postcard. Today this station still exists but it is now underground with a Mac Donald instead of the Hotel restaurant !   Click to enlarge 160 Kb >> Interactive satellite photo <<

Technical Datas

Start 1877 End  1958  Status Type of funicular Type of tracks Type of energy Bottom station Ouchy (432 m) Top station Flon (567 m) Length 1482 m Difference of levels 106 m Maximum Gradient 11,6 % Gauge 1,435 m Speed 4 m/s Transports publics de la région lausannoise Société du Métro Lausanne-Ouchy sa Chemin du Closel 13-15 Case postale CH-1020 Renens 1 Tél. : 41 21 621 01 11 Fax : 41 21 625 01 22