Bernmobil is significantly enhancing its preparations for severe winter weather following widespread disruptions last November. The city's public transport operator has invested in new equipment and established a dedicated task force to ensure services remain operational during heavy snowfall and icy conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Bernmobil expands snow chain availability for buses from 2 to 18 vehicles.
- A new specialized vehicle will efficiently de-ice tram overhead lines.
- A dedicated task force is now in place for rapid snow chain deployment.
- The upgrades aim to prevent a repeat of last year's service collapse caused by heavy snowfall.
Lessons Learned from Last Year's Winter Chaos
Last November, an unexpected winter storm brought Bern's public transport system to a standstill. Approximately 30 centimeters of fresh snow fell, coinciding with the evening rush hour. This led to significant delays and cancellations, forcing many commuters to walk home through the snow.
The sudden and intense snowfall overwhelmed the existing infrastructure and preparedness measures. This experience highlighted the need for more robust systems to handle extreme weather events in the future.
Background on Bernmobil
Bernmobil operates the public transport network in Bern, Switzerland. This includes trams, trolleybuses, and buses. The network is vital for daily commutes and connecting various parts of the city and surrounding areas.
Ensuring reliable service, even in challenging weather, is a primary goal for the operator.
Increased Snow Chain Capacity for Buses
A major improvement involves the availability of snow chains for buses. Previously, only two buses had access to snow chains. Now, Bernmobil has procured snow chains for 18 buses, significantly increasing their operational capacity in snowy conditions.
This expansion aims to keep more bus routes functional when roads become slick and difficult to navigate. The ability to equip a larger portion of the fleet with chains is a direct response to last year's challenges.
"Our goal is to ensure public transport remains a reliable option for Bern's residents, even when winter hits hard," a Bernmobil spokesperson stated.
New Task Force for Rapid Deployment
To support the increased number of snow chains, Bernmobil has established a specialized task force. This team will be responsible for the rapid mounting of snow chains onto buses during heavy snowfall. This proactive approach aims to minimize delays and disruption.
The transport operator is also evaluating the possibility of equipping buses with dedicated winter tires instead of the current all-season tires. This could further enhance traction and safety during the colder months.
Did You Know?
- Last November's snowfall reached approximately 30 centimeters.
- Bernmobil previously had snow chains for only 2 buses.
- The new plan increases this to 18 buses.
Innovative De-icing for Tram Lines
While trams are generally more resilient to winter conditions than buses, they can still face issues from damaged infrastructure or iced-over overhead lines. In the past, de-icing tram lines was a labor-intensive manual process, with workers spraying glycol from a lift platform.
Bernmobil has now introduced a specialized vehicle designed to make this task more efficient. This vehicle is equipped with a roller soaked in glycol, which can preventatively coat the overhead lines. This method is faster and safer than manual application.
Ensuring Tram Reliability
The new de-icing vehicle will help maintain the smooth operation of Bern's tram network. By preventing ice buildup, Bernmobil aims to reduce the risk of power interruptions and ensure trams continue to run on schedule.
This investment reflects a comprehensive strategy to prepare for various winter challenges, from heavy snow to freezing rain.
Commitment to Winter Preparedness
Bernmobil's recent upgrades demonstrate a strong commitment to improving winter preparedness. By investing in new equipment and streamlining operational procedures, the transport provider aims to deliver consistent service, even under the most challenging weather conditions.
These measures are designed to restore public confidence in the transport system's ability to handle severe winter weather, avoiding a repeat of last year's extensive disruptions.