Zürich model

Zürich model is a name used to refer to the approach which permitted the public transportation system of the city of Zurich in Switzerland to achieve and maintain a high market share. Many other cities have emulated elements of it, especially when new tram systems were being introduced.

Pre-history

In the 1960s, Zürich was planning to move many of the tram lines in its central area into tunnels. This project was rejected in a referendum. In the 1970s, a project to create an underground railway was similarly rejected.

Despite the failures of these attempts to provide Zürich with a different kind of transportation system, public transportation in Zürich maintains a high modal split. This was achieved through the optimization of the existing system.

Elements of the model

*A dense network providing many direct connections and short headways.

*High priorities at intersections.

*Low impact of road congestion on operations.

Related pages

*Zürich trams