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Innsbruck Strassenbahn
Brief History
- Innsbruck Trams
- The Tram Routes In Innsbruck
- The Stubaitalbahn
- The Tiroler MuseumsBahnen
Innsbruck Trams
On 1st June 1891 the tramways of Innsbruck and surrounding areas commenced running. The first line ran between Bergisel in Innsbruck and Hall in Tirol. The line was operated initially by Lokalbahn Innsbruck-Hall in Tirol. This route eventually became route 4 in the Innsbruck area.
Use of steam powered trams lasted until the 6th January 1910, when the locomotives were replaced by electric trams. The line remained open, as tram route 4, until 7th June 1974, when the route was abandoned to allow the building of a new road to the Olympic Village for the 1976 Winter Games. The replacement bus service still runs as route 4 today. All other bus services in Innsbruck have route letters, e.g. Route F to the Airport. Part of the tram route between Bergisel and the Mühlauer Brücke terminus remains as Route 1.
The route to Igls opened on 26 June 1900. The line started running with electric power on 28 June 1936, but on a different voltage to the rest of the Innsbruck tramways. At a later stage Route 6 ran through to the Hauptbahnhof and the Hungerburgbahn. The line now runs between Igls and Bergisel, apart from one early morning run from Mühlauer Brücke to Igls at 7.00am.
The remaining tram routes opened at various stages. They were originally powered at 660v D.C. The Stubaitalbahn that is now part of the Innsbruck system used AC powered trams incorporation into the main Innsbruck system in 1983.
The lines now comprise of route 1 (between Bergisel and Mühlauer Brücke via the Westbahnhof and Marktplatz), route 3 (between Amras and Maria-Theresien-Straße / Hauptbahnhof via Sillpark and Marktplatz), route 6 (Bergisel to Igls), and the Stubaitalbahn (Hauptbahnhof to Fulpmes).
In 1995, new routes were built in the city centre via Marktplatz following a pedestrianisation scheme in the old town. Following the final rebuilding of the Hauptbahnhof, the tram route changed with no stop in Maria-Theresien-Straße for the first time in over 100 years.
All the tram and light railway routes in Innsbruck are now operated by Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe und Stubaitalbahn GMBH. (I.V.B.)
Innsbruck’s second hand trams have come from various places. These have included Switzerland, Italy and more recently Bielefeld and Hagen in Germany. Built between 1957 and 1966 the trams have seen some modifications, some retaining a central section, whilst others were reduced to a two-section unit, providing their central section to the trams on the Stubaitalbahn.
The three trams which usually work on route 6, the Innsbrucker Mittelgebirgsbahn line, are Numbers 51, 52, & 53. Some of the original vehicles for the Igls line are kept by IVB in conjunction with the TMB and are used on special services.
The new 5 section Bombardier Flexity Trams started to arrive on 16th October 2007 for test running with public viewing on 19th & 20th October 2007. The new trams entered service from March 2008.
The end of an era saw Tram 53 returned to Bielefeld, after 27 years in Innsbruck, on 4th July 2008 (having left Innsbruck on the 2nd); Trams 31, 35 and 74 were the first ones to move to Arad Tramvaie in Romania in late July 2008 (having left Innsbruck on the 21st) to run on the lines of the S. C. Compania de Transport S. A. Arad; and 3 trams, Numbers 39, 75 & 83 are to be retained in Innsbruck as part of the museum fleet.
History of Tram Routes in Innsbruck
Line / Route 0.
This was a city centre circular route commencing in 1923. The route started at the Hauptbahnhof, with stops at Museumstraße, Maria-Theresien-Straße, Anichstraße, Landesgericht, and Maximilanstraße.
Parts are now incorporated in the present Route 3.
Line / Route 1.
This urban line and later known as the Saggenlinie was the first urban line in Innsbruck to run from the beginning on electricity. The route now runs from Bergisel to Mühlauer Brücke, with stops at Bergisel, Stubaitalbahnhof, Fritz-Konzert-Straße, Westbahnhof, Franz-Fischer-Straße, Maximilianstraße, Bürgerstraße , Marktplatz, Maria-Theresien-Straße, Museumstraße, Landesmuseum, Bruneckerstraße, Ing.-Etzel-Straße, Messe, Bundesbahndirektion, Claudiastraße, Haydnplatz, Mühlauer Brücke (ex Hungerburgbahn Talstation).
Stop Haydnplatz is served in the direction of Mühlauer Brücke only.
Line / Route 2.
With line 4 proving popular, and with the conversion to electricity, a short working following route 4 was introduced from 5/11/1909 to 20/5/1926. This line ran from Andreas-Hofer-Straße, Triumphpforte, Landhaus, Maria-Theresien-Straße, Stainerstraße, Marktgraben, Innbrücke, Hofgarten, Handelsakademie, Schumanngasse, Hungerburgbahn Talstation, Gasthof Dollinger.
Line / Route 3
The first part of this route opened 13/6/1908. This route was built in several sections to extend the existing lines.
The current route runs from Anichstraße / Rathausgalerien, Bürgerstraße, Marktplatz, (top part of) Maria-Theresien-Straße, Museumstraße, Landesmuseum, Bruneckerstraße, Hauptbahnhof, Triumphpforte, Sillpark, Leipziger Platz, Defreggerstraße, Roseggerstraße, Dr.-Glatz-Straße, Rudolf-Greinz-Straße, Südring, Pradler Friedhof, to the loop at Amras.
The stops Bruneckerstraße, Hauptbahnhof, Triumphpforte, Anichstraße, Bürgerstraße, Marktplatz, Maria-Theresien-Straße, Museumstraße and Landesmuseum are served in a circular route.
Line / Route 4
Lokalbahn Innsbruck – Hall in Tirol (LBIHiT) Also known as Haller and Hallerbahn.
Innsbruck (Bergisel Bahnhof) to Hall in Tirol.
1891 the line opened after planning was agreed in 1889. The line travelled between Bergisel Bahnhof in Innsbruck to Hall operated initially by steam trams pulling coaches.
1909 the line was electrified. The new white and red lively replaced the green, and heating and lighting was introduced into the coaches.
1927 The Localbahngesellschaft took over the Igler line and shared the rolling stock from 1936.
1929 the line was extended to Wilten to link with the terminus of line 3. Later being moved to the Hauptbahnhof.
In 1941 the line was taken over and amalgamated with other tram and bus lines to become part of the Innsbrucker Verkerhrsbetriebe.
The line closed on 25th July 1974. With the coming of the Winter Olympic the building of the Olympic village a road bisected the line and it was not economic to build the planned tunnel.
The line transported freight and passengers. During the First World War two 4 axle wagons were use for the transportation of wounded. After the war the wagons were used for freight. The closed wagons are still in use today on the IVB.
Latterly the route served Hauptbahnhof, Brunecker Straße, Museumstraße, Maria-Theresien-Straße, Salurnerstraße, Bundesbahndirektion, Haydnplatz, Hungerburgbahn, Lodenfabrik, Arbeiterbäckerei, Reichenauer Brücke, Schießstand Neu Rum, Rumer Hof, Thaur(Ausweiche), Haller Au (= Zollfreizone), Loretto, Röhrenwerke, Kugelanger, Hall/Unterer Stadtplatz.
The stops at Museumstraße, Maria-Theresien-Straße and Salurnerstraße were served in the direction of Hauptbahnhof, and the stop of Haydnplatz served in the direction of Hall.
Line / Route 5
Commenced in 1924. Like line 0 it followed a central loop. Travelling from Hauptbahnhof, Museumstraße, Maria-Theresien-Straße, Anichstraße, Landesgericht, Westbahnhof, Landesgericht, to Maximilanstraße.
The stop for Westbahnhof was served from August 1929.
Line / Route 6 (Mittelgebirgsbahn)
On 26th June 1900 the line opened, planned by Josef Riehl, using steam trams and passenger coaches. Originally known as the Mittelgebirgsbahn. It was later converted to electric transit in 1936. It was not until 1987 that a loop was constructed at Igls to allow single ended running. The line was financed by the hoteliers in Igls. This was built as an independent line and was not originally connected to the Innsbruck system. Also known as the Igler line or the Central Mountain Railway. This line was integrated in to the Innsbruck system in 1936 and became route number 6.
The line runs from Bergisel to Igls. To reach the Patchberg the line crosses the Intel Autobahn and rises through the forest, passes Schloss Ambras, passing lakes until reaching the holiday resort of Igls. A passing loop is situated at Tantegert. A now demolished tram shed was situated at the stop serving Lans and Sistrans. The line stopped at the Igls town boundary and although thoughts were given to extend it to the Igls town, the plans have not come to fruition. The stops are at Bergisel, 0,0,Bretterkeller 0,8, Tummelplatz 1,6, Schönruh,2,5, Tantegert 4,2 (passing loop), Aldrans 5,7,, Mühlsee 6,3, Lans/Sistrans 7,2, Lansersee 7,6, Igls 8,2.
Route 3/1
Since the early 1960’s , to allow for trams to travel from the depot at Wilten on Route 1, through to the Route 3, early morning running and late night trams on the reverse direction, run indicating Route 3/1. The stops are Stubaitalbahnhof, Fritz-Konzert-Straße, Westbahnhof, Franz-Fischer-Straße, Maximillianstraße, Bürgerstraße Ost, Anichstraße, Triumphpforte, Hauptbahnhof, Brunecker Straße Süd, Bürgerstraße West, Marktplatz, Maria-Theresien-Straße, Museumstrasse, Landesmuseum, Sillpark, Leipziger Platz, Defreggerstraße, Roseggerstraße, Dr.-Glatz-Straße, Rudolf-Greinz-Straße, Südring, Pradler Friedhof, and Amras.
The Innsbruck (Passenger) Tram Fleet
Düwag (IVB)
TW31 built 1962, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 812
TW32 built 1962, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 814
TW33 built 1957, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 825
TW34 built 1962, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 811 (out of service 2003; used for spares)
TW35 built 1957, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 810
TW36 built 1962, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 815
TW37 built 1957, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 822 (out of service 2001; used for spares)
TW38 built 1963, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 805
TW39 built 1962, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 840
TW40 built 1962, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 813
TW41 built 1963, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 802
TW42 built 1957, now 6 axle ex Bielefeld 823
TW51 built 1963, 8 axle ex Bielefeld 801
TW52 built 1963, 8 axle ex Bielefeld 803
TW53 built 1962, 8 axle converted from TW32 in 1991 ex Bielefeld 814
Lohner (IVB)
TW71 built 1966, 6 axle
TW72 built 1966, 6 axle
TW73 built 1966, 6 axle (scrapped 2005 following accident damage)
TW74 built 1966, 6 axle
TW75 built 1966, 6 axle
TW76 built 1966, 6 axle
TW77 built 1967, 6 axle
Düwag (STB)
TW81 (renumbered from TW89) built 1976 driving ends ex Hagener 69 middle section ex Bielefeld 805
TW82 built 1976, 8 axle; driving ends ex Hagener 62 middle section ex Bielefeld 815
(End sections replaced by a similar tram from Bochum, TW 41 Bogestra, following accident damage in 1997. The middle section was retained)
TW83 built 1976, 8 axle; driving ends ex Hagener 63 middle section ex Bielefeld 814
TW84 built 1976, 8 axle; driving ends ex Hagener 64 middle section ex Bielefeld 813
TW85 built 1976, 8 axle; driving ends ex Hagener 65 middle section ex Bielefeld 810
TW86 built 1976, 8 axle; driving ends ex Hagener 66 middle section ex Bielefeld 811
TW87 built 1976, 8 axle; driving ends ex Hagener 67 middle section ex Bielefeld 812
(Scrapped 1998 and used for spares)
TW88 built 1976, 8 axle; driving ends ex Hagener 68 middle section ex Bielefeld 802
Bombardier
TW 300/350 series Flexity Trams built 2007/2008 by Bombardier and delivered from October 2007 through 2008 for service in Innsbruck and on the Stubaital line.
Stubaitalbahn (Stubaitalbahn Aktiengecellschaft (AGStB))
The Stubaitalbahn Story
Planning
After a few unsuccessful attempts, in 1899, the director of the Innsbruck Hall in Tirol Tramway Hermand Schwind, with the technical backing of Josef Adolf August Riehl, produced a series of successful plans that would see the opening of a tram route in the Stubai valley.
Riehl later assisted with the building of the original Hungerburgbahn. His greatest work was perhaps the construction of the Mittenwaldbahn between 1910 & 1912.
The planning was completed by 1901.
The line is single track; 18.2 km in length with 53% of the track on curves with the longest straight section just 270 metres. The steepest gradient is 1 in 45 and the smallest radius curve is 40 meters. The highest point is near Telfes Bahnhof at 1,006 meters above sea level.
5-Section Bombardier Flexity Trams started to arrive in Innsbruck in October 2007. The new trams entered service from March 2008 with the ex-Hagener tram 83 to be retained by the Tiroler MuseumsBahnen.
The stops are Hauptbahnhof, Triumphpforte, Anichstraße, Maximilanstraße, Bürgerstraße, Marktplatz, Maria-Theresien-Straße, Museumstraße, Landesmuseum, Bruneckerstraße , Franz-Fischer-Straße, Westbahnhof, Fritz-Konzert-Straße, Stubaitalbahnhof 0,0, Sonnenburgerhof 2,3, Gärberbach 2,9, Hölltal 3,6, Natters 4,5,Burgstall 5,0, Mutters 6,0, Birchfeld 7,0, Nockhofweg-Muttereralmbahn 7,7, Raitis 8,4, Feldeler 9,1, Außerkreith 9,8, Kreith 10,7, Brandeck 11,7, Telfeser Wiesen 12,7, Luimes 15,9, Telfes 16,2,Tenniscamp 17,1,Fulpmes 18,2.
The stops Bürgerstraße, Marktplatz, Maria-Theresien-Straße, Museumstraße, Landesmuseum and Bruneckerstraße are served heading towards Hauptbahnhof, and stops Triumpfpforte and Anichstraße are only served heading to Fulpmes.
Tiroler MuseumsBahnen - TMB
When in the year 1983 the Stubaitalbahn was changed over from AC voltage to DC voltage and incorporated into the Innsbruck Tram network the survival of the old Stubaitalbahn vehicles looked unlikely. In addition the trailers had a larger wheel profile and were unsuited for continued running.
The Tiroler MuseumsBahnen was established in 1983 with a view to keeping and preserving these local tram vehicles for future generations. The association was set up as a not for profit organisation by a group of local enthusiast.
The depot holds the fleet of running and partly restored vehicles, along with informative exhibits. The vehicles are used on any special occasions and can been seen regularly running through Innsbruck and to Igls and Fulpmes.
With the good relationship between the TMB and IVB a number of the museum vehicles are stored in the Wilten Betriebshof.
Fotos
Tiroler Museums Bahnen
Innsbruck Verkhrsbetriebe
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