A long history
The SZU has been helping people get around for 50 years; the Sihltalbahn has been in operation for more than 130 years, and the Uetlibergbahn for almost 150 years.
Milestones
1875 & 1892 Operations commence
1875: Operations commence on the Zurich Selnau–Uetliberg line
1892: Operations commence on the Zurich Selnau–Sihlwald line
1923 & 1924 Electrification
1923: Electrification of the Zurich Selnau–Uetliberg line
1924: Electrification of the Zurich Selnau–Sihlwald line
1990 Extension
1990: Rail extension from Zurich Selnau to Zurich main station
Modernisation works until 2032
Numerous projects to get our passengers to their destinations more punctually, comfortably and quickly
Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn SZU
1973
Merger with the Zurich–Uetliberg railway company to form the Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn SZU
1976
Uetlibergbahn: new Be 8/8 twin unit
1976
Introduction of conductor-free operations
1990
Rail extension from Zurich Selnau to Zurich main station; collaboration with the ZVV
1992
Sihltalbahn: 100-year anniversary; introduction of S-Bahn double-decker train carriages
1996
Founding of the Zürcher Museums-Bahn association for the preservation of the ‘historic’ Sihltalbahn, in particular its steam and electric locomotives
1997
100-year anniversary of the Sihlwald–Sihlbrugg line
1998
The transshipment facility in Brunau (ULAB) for the Bahn 2000 Zimmerberg Base Tunnel project is handed over to operations on 15 September
1999
Transport company responsible for the ZVV market; Cyclone Lothar destroys sections of the Uetliberg line twice
Felseneggbahn
1934
Project design for a funicular railway in competition with the planned Albisbahn at Albispass. Neither project was realised owing to lack of funds.
1954
Construction of the cable car, reusing the cabins from the 1939 Landi cable car. Opening on 30 December 1954.
1960
Introduction of new 30-passenger cabins and replacement of haulage rope and track cables.
1972
Purchase of the Felsenegg property.
1977
Takeover of the majority of shares and purchase of the Felsenegg property by the Denner company.
1986
Conversion to automatic operation with video monitoring of the mountain station.
1990
Integration into the Zurich Transport Network (ZVV).
1994
Introduction of passenger self-service with ticket machines in both stations.
1997
Renewal of engine and brakes, plus replacement of haulage rope and track cables.
Sihltalbahn (SiTB)
1835
Opening of the Zurich–Langnau stagecoach line on the Albis–Zug route
1857
First Sihltalbahn project
1875
Sihltalbahn Zurich–Zug project, with continuation via the Lake Zug train ferry towards Gotthard
1887
New projects for the local Zurich–Sihlwald railway
1892
Construction and opening of the Zurich Selnau–Sihlwald line
1897
Connection in Sihlbrugg to the Thalwil–Zug line (NOB)
1924
Electrification
1932
Takeover of operational management of the Bahngesellschaft Zurich–Uetliberg (BZUe) railway company
1954
Takeover of management of the Luftseilbahn Adliswil–Felsenegg (LAF)
Bahngesellschaft Zürich-Uetliberg (BZUe)
1922
Founding of the Bahngesellschaft Zurich–Uetliberg (BZUe); steam train operation
1923
Electrification of the line
1932
Takeover of administration by the Sihltalbahn (SiTB)
1933
Opening up of new areas and stops
1950
First push-pull train
1964
New Uitikon Waldegg station and Berghof passing loop station
1967
Takeover of the Gmüetliberg station buffet
1973
Merger with the Sihltalbahn to form the Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn (SZU)
Uetlibergbahn-Gesellschaft
1872
Draft plan for the Uetliberg cogwheel railway; counter-project for an adhesion railway with an unprecedented gradient of more than 70‰
1875
Construction and opening of the Zurich Selnau–Uetliberg line
1892
Joint line with the Sihltal railway, Zurich Selnau–Zurich Giesshübel
1914
Severe restriction of operations after the outbreak of World War 1
1920
Discontinuation of operations and liquidation of the Uetlibergbahn-Gesellschaft
1922
Founding of the Bahngesellschaft Zurich–Uetliberg (BZUe); steam train operation