Bolligenstraße Tram Depot: Innovative Upgrade for the Future

The latest chapter of the Bolligenstraße tram depot in the Swiss city of Bern is also one of technical progress and innovative solutions. In previous editions of the Tram News (Nos. 56 and 58) we reported in detail on technical implementation to date. We now proudly present the successful implementation of Phase 2 to cater for the requirements of Bernmobil. At the same time, we are laying the foundations for the exciting Phase 3. By Bernd Hoblitz

Bolligenstraße Depot in the east of Bern, which has been in operation since October 2011, has developed into an impressive complex. Consisting of three control segments, the depot controller and the depot management system, it not only controls 32 points, but also impresses with a free-floating hall above the sidings. Back in 2011, the four-siding extension was already planned and taken into account in the software.

Phase 2 started in 2022, taking Bernmobil’s new requirements into consideration. The additional tracks were added to the depot and the imposing gates continue to cause a stir. The depot now has 42 points, and the three control segments have been adapted accordingly. The depot controller and the depot management system have been upgraded. To do so, HANNING & KAHL replicated the three control segments in a simulation in Oerlinghausen in order to develop and test the new software. Successful implementation followed on the spot in Bern where the controllers were re-configured in just two weeks.

Parallel, the requirements for Phase 3 with an additional exit to Pulverweg have already been integrated. Operation is scheduled for 2026. The software is already prepared and will be put into operation immediately after installation of the new components to minimise downtimes. Phase 2 was granted assessor approval at the end of October following successful test runs.

Our Swiss representative Trelco AG played a decisive role during the extension phase by taking on much of the on-site work. Trelco staff were active on the site and competent contact partners for Bernmobil.

To sum up, it can be said that HANNING & KAHL can adapt its controllers to new requirements even after many years via updates thanks to its high level of vertical integration. The use of HANNING & KAHL detection equipment, signal transmitters and point machines guarantees our customers high investment security.