Assessing the profitability of a mountain train running on pure adhesion

Development of the “Adhäsions-Bergtriebzug” business case: a life-cycle economic model comparing an adhesion mountain train with a reference rack train, sensitivity and risk analysis, then a summary for the decision-making bodies.

Client

zb Zentralbahn AG

Location

Brünig and Engelberg Line (Switzerland)

Date

2026- onwards

Assessing the profitability of a mountain train running on pure adhesion

Context and objectives

On the Brünig and Engelberg lines, Zentralbahn currently operates rack railcars to climb the steep gradients. Tests carried out under its roadmap (up to 105 ‰ in the Engelberg tunnel and 125 ‰ on the Brünig) open the way for mountain trains running on pure adhesion.

The business case must give decision-makers a sound, quantitative basis for the strategic decision expected in 2027.

Approach and results

The assignment is organised in four phases:

Data and assumptions: collection and validation of technical, operational and economic data.
Economic modelling: construction of the LCC / equivalent annuity model and definition of the scenarios.
Scenario analysis: comparison with the reference case, sensitivity and risk analyses (Monte Carlo), model updates based on the results of the test campaigns.
Summary: report and presentation for the project and decision-making bodies.