Control in the tunnel

2005
A mountain full of technology
A mountain full of technology

The new base tunnels are equipped to deal with accidents. Technicians test the new installations in the Gotthard at the north emergency stop. (2015, Alptransit Gotthard Ltd)

In September 2005 the Federal Office of Transport instructs the SBB to introduce the new European Train Control System (ETCS). Instead of relying on external visual signals, the Level 2 version of the ETCS transmits movement commands via a digital radio network to a screen in the driver's cab. The system continuously monitors the train's movements and the driver's reactions, allowing trains to travel at higher speeds and closer together. It is introduced on the Lötschberg and Gotthard base lines.

Erhöhung der Sicherheit

1944, Swiss Federal Archives

Erhöhung der Sicherheit

Improving safety , 1944 (Swiss Federal Archives)

Im Banne der roten Scheibe

1964, SBB Historic

Im Banne der roten Scheibe

The little red disc, 1964 (SBB Historic)

2 + 6 passenger trains and goods trains

an hour can use the Gotthard Base Tunnel in each direction, thanks to the state-of-the-art communication technology of the ETCS (Level 2).

250 kilometres per hour

train drivers cannot see signals at this speed – they are radioed to the driver's cab.

130 cameras

monitoring tunnel and rail operations in the Lötschberg Base Tunnel

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