Revamped Braking Technology Boosts Speed on Rack-and-Pinion Systems

SWITZERLAND: The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway has teamed up with Stadler to introduce an innovative v+ braking system, claiming it will power the fastest rack-and-pinion rail service globally.

A Stadler Orion meter-gauge electric multiple unit operating on the Andermatt – Göschenen line has been equipped with this new braking technology. This upgrade allows trains to descend at speeds of up to 30 km/h, a significant increase from the previous limit of 21 km/h, all while maintaining safe stopping distances on steep gradients of up to 18%.

This enhancement has shaved four minutes off the journey time for the scenic route, reducing it from a lengthy 15 minutes. Now, MGBahn can run its half-hourly service using just one trainset instead of two, boosting efficiency and reliability.

The Swiss government provided financial backing for developing v+. After successfully testing this prototype, MGBahn plans to retrofit its remaining eleven Orion ABeh units and incorporate it into an additional twenty-five units scheduled for delivery in 2026.

The three-car EMUs operate at a maximum speed of up to120 km/h in adhesion mode and are powered by an efficient electrical system running at11 kV and16.7 Hz.

< p>“This cutting-edge rack-and-pinion braking system brings tremendous benefits not only for railway operators but also enhances passenger experience,” remarked Christoph leiterer, Head of Engineering at Stadler’s Tailor Made Products division during its launch on March25. “Other rack railways can now take advantage of this innovative technology when making new purchases.”