54-455: The Montreux Oberland Bernois Railway (French: Chemin de fer Montreux Oberland Bernois , German: Montreux Berner Oberland Bahn , abbreviated MOB ) is a company that operates an electrified railway line, the Montreux–Lenk im Simmental line , in southwest Switzerland , one of the oldest electric railways in the country. Its main line, 62.4 km (38.8 mi) in length, is built to
108-486: A regular service timetabled to connect into and out of the MOB main line services. These trains are operated by Be 4/4 5001–5004. For decades, the traffic on the MOB was handled by electric motor coaches available in four-, six- and eight-axle designs. In 1983, four locomotives of the type GDe 4/4 were bought, to be followed in 1994 by four newer and more powerful Ge 4/4 locomotives from the same manufacturer. These are similar to
162-475: A straightforward relaying and alignment took place through late 2008 to early 2009, which maintained the passing and siding facility at that location. During the early part of 2010, by the end of May, the stations underwent a rebranding along with those of other lines which come under the "Golden Pass" banner. All were fitted with signs bearing the new "Golden Pass" logo and name alongside the station nameboards, which were retained in their original colours. One of
216-644: Is a connection with the Transports publics fribourgeois (TPF) network to Bulle , formerly the Chemins de fer fribourgeois Gruyère–Fribourg–Morat (GFM), and earlier still the Chemins de fer électriques de la Gruyère (CEG), to which the workshop in Montbovon belongs, and which also shares rolling stock with the MOB now and then. At the time when both lines were being built, there arose a genuine fight between
270-471: Is divided, with 55.8% of it owned by the canton of Berne , and 21.7% by the Swiss Confederation . It has two main business fields: passenger traffic and infrastructure. BLS has a subsidiary— BLS Cargo —which is responsible for all freight operations. BLS Cargo works in cooperation with the freight subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn , Railion . However, the staff, apart from management and sales,
324-467: Is employed by BLS AG. Part of the BLS locomotive fleet is owned by BLS Cargo. Another subsidiary, BLS Fernverkehr AG , is responsible for long-distance passenger transport. BLS Fernverkehr AG is wholly owned by BLS AG. In 2007 the new, 34.6-kilometre-long (21.5 mi) Lötschberg Base Tunnel opened, which is part of the 449 km of infrastructure owned and operated by BLS AG. The Lötschberg base tunnel
378-406: Is expected that this work will continue up to four nights per week through to December 2009, subject to weather conditions. New deeper ballasting has taken place along many sections of the line and this will be continued until the line has all been done. The work at Gstaad consisted of a complete rebuilding of the platforms to full height and simplification of the track layout. After almost 100 years
432-476: Is run with 900 V DC overhead contact and has gradients of up to 7.3% (1 in 13.5). Withdrawn and Preserved Items Note 1: Class Be 4/4 after rebuild operate as the centre-car (non driving motor) of a three-car set made up as Bt – BDe4/4 – ABt. The Bt vehicles are numbered 241 – 244 and the ABt vehicles 341 – 344. Bt242 carries R+J Builders plate 70671 – 2005. Note 2: Class Be 2/6, No's 7001 to 7004, are listed under
486-535: The 1,000 mm ( 3 ft 3 + 3 ⁄ 8 in ) gauge. It connects Montreux , Gstaad , and Zweisimmen . At Zweisimmen, passengers may transfer to the Zweisimmen to Spiez line — a standard gauge line owned by BLS AG . A 12.9 km (8.0 mi) branch-line also connects Zweisimmen to Lenk . The main line of the MOB was opened in stages, the first, from Montreux to Les Avants (10.9 km or 6.8 mi) on 17 December 1901, followed by
540-549: The Brünig railway line not only need to be able to use metre gauge like the Montreux–Lenk im Simmental line, but also have to be equipped with cogs to engage the racks. 46°26′8″N 6°54′40″E / 46.43556°N 6.91111°E / 46.43556; 6.91111 BLS AG BLS AG is a Swiss railway company created by the 2006 merger of BLS Lötschbergbahn and Regionalverkehr Mittelland AG . Its ownership
594-557: The Montreux Oberland Bernois Railway (MOB) and links Montreux on Lake Geneva by way of Les Avants , Montbovon , Rossinière , Château-d'Œx , Rougemont , Saanen , Gstaad and Zweisimmen with Lenk im Simmental . It leads through the cantons of Vaud , Fribourg and Bern . Running along the section between Montreux and Zweisimmen is the GoldenPass Line . The Montreux–Lenk line is one of
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#1732802190509648-559: The Rhaetian Railway in 1939, where they are still in use (As 1141–44). Two of the original (1913–14 built) coaches have been restored by the MOB and are used for Chocolate train services in the summer months, but still regularly find work on the main line "Classic train" services on Sundays throughout the year. The modern successor of this luxury train is the Golden Pass Panoramic Express , which for
702-511: The "Golden Pass Panorama" trains 3118/2119/2128/2131 Source : MOB/Raility press release together with personal observation. On 18 May 2010, MOB invited press and officials to demonstrate the first Panoramic coach (BDs 220) fitted with variable gauge bogies to allow through running across the 1,000 mm ( 3 ft 3 + 3 ⁄ 8 in ) metre gauge / 1,435 mm ( 4 ft 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in ) standard gauge break-of-gauge . The axle-less bogie
756-407: The 11 December 2022 timetable changes there has been a direct connection from Interlaken by way of Zweisimmen to Montreux. Acquired for this purpose, for the first time, were trains whose bogies can automatically be adjusted from standard gauge to narrow gauge. From a tourism point of view, an onward trip to Lucerne on these trains would be desirable, but nevertheless not yet possible, as trains on
810-528: The 2009 timetable the formation was changed and operated between Montreux and Gruyere only with a coach connection to Broc (due to operating problems), as follows: Other trains Montreux–Zweisimmen may be pulled by a Ge 4/4, GDe 4/4 or an ABDe 8/8 and they can have up to five coaches. Local services operate connecting Montreux to Fontanivent (Mon – Fri ), Chernex, Sonzier and Les Avants, operated by Be 2/6 7001–7004 and from Château-d'Oex, Saanen or Gstaad to Zweisimmen. The branch-line from Zweisimmen to Lenk offers
864-524: The 21st century. This programme began with the demolition of little-used facilities: the goods shed in Gstaad and the shed in Château-d'Œx, this latter structure being replaced by a free-standing shelter, for example. During 2008, much work took place on the overhead line equipment, with replacement supports being positioned along the line. Although not brought into use, they stand ready for the new wiring. It
918-543: The Federal Assembly that the concession "from Montbovon or from the cantonal boundary" to Zweisimmen be granted so that both parties involved would have to agree contractually on whether one line or the other was to be built. Whatever they chose to do, however, the concession would also obligate the MOB to build the line so that the CEG's rolling stock could also run on it. The two parties were thereby obligated to apply
972-531: The Federal representatives, though, was the question of who should get ownership of the short stretch of the line from Montbovon to the cantonal boundary just before La Tine (a hamlet in Rossinière ). The Fribourg project initiators' concession request foresaw a tramway , whereas the one submitted by the group from Vaud foresaw a railway running on its own right-of-way . The Swiss Federal Council proposed to
1026-636: The Fribourg railway project initiators and the Vaud-Bern-governed MOB. The former submitted a request for a concession to build a railway to Zweisimmen, wanting, as they did, to run through trains from Bulle, and perhaps even from Vevey through Montbovon to Zweisimmen, and in so doing take along through-running stock from Montreux. In response, the Swiss Railway Department implemented on 23 June 1899 negotiations whose goal
1080-744: The Lenk branch ceases to be served, the "through" working only lasting one year (2010). It is normally made up in the following formation and operate in the " push–pull " mode: In the reverse direction, the Golden Pass trains with VIP seating are the 12:26 (Train 2119) and 18:20 from Zweisimmen (Train 2131). There are other Golden Pass trains without VIP seating (dome end cars) and these depart Montreux at 7:h45, 11:49, 14:47 and 17:45 (Trains 2112, 2124, 2228 and 2134) and from Zweisimmen at 8:26, 10:26, 14:26 and 17:05 (Trains 2111, 3115, 3123 and 2229). These trains are locomotive hauled and use stock not required for
1134-474: The Les Avants to Montbovon (11.2 km or 7.0 mi) section on 1 October 1903. The next stages from Montbovon to Château-d'Œx (10.6 km or 6.6 mi) and then Gstaad (13.1 km or 8.1 mi) followed on 19 August 1904 and 20 December 1904 respectively, the final 16.6 km (10.3 mi) of the line reaching Zweisimmen on 6 July 1905. The spur line to Lenk was opened in 1912. From
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#17328021905091188-601: The Panoramic and Classic coaches. These are painted in a light blue and cream livery and can be hauled by locomotives or railcars. They also include driving trailers ( Voiture pilote ). These are "Saanenland" stock is specially liveried for work over the Zweisimmen to Lenk line and local services between Zweisimmen and Saanen. The stock works in conjunction with motor vehicles of type Be 4/4, Nos. 5001–4 and these sets are usually worked as fixed formations of Bt-Be 4/4-ABt,
1242-402: The access doors which will assist those with restricted mobility. They will also contain handicapped-accessible toilets. The coaches will be fitted with a new type of bogie "Centro 1000" incorporating air suspension, produced by Alstom. The first of these, number Bs230, was delivered from Chernex works into traffic during mid-May 2010. The livery is white all over with the lettering in gold showing
1296-509: The categories: "Classic", "Panoramic", "Ordinary" and "Saanenland". "Classic" stock are six Pullman type coaches, two from 1914 and four rebuilt in 2004–06 on structures from 1964. Details are as follows: "Panoramic" stock is that used on the Golden Pass Panoramic services and includes the observation vehicles used at each end of train when the locomotive is centrally situated. Most "panoramic" coaching stock has been built by
1350-780: The crown tunnel under the Col de Jaman to reach the Saane Valley. In Montbovon there is a connection to the Transports Publics Fribourgeois (TPF; previously GFM ) network. Following the Saane upstream, passing the famous hot-air ballooning centre of Château-d'Oex , it leaves the French-speaking canton of Vaud near Rougemont and enters the German-speaking canton of Bern . After Saanen
1404-519: The end of the year the MOB was a passenger only operation, however in Spring 2007 the company purchased nine gravel ( hopper ) wagons and two surplus locomotives from the TPF. The MOB now operates this transport from Grandvillard (on the TPF line) to Saanen. The Lenk branch retraces this route for a very short distance before continuing on its own trackbed. Because of its poor state of repair, this line
1458-618: The exclusive operator of the standard gauge part of the S-Bahn Bern . This includes open access services over Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and STB Sensetalbahn tracks. Since December 2007 BLS offers a new RegioExpress (RE) service over the old Lötschberg route while the SBB-operated InterCity (IC), and EuroCity (EC) trains use the new Lötschberg tunnel. As of the December 2023 timetable change, BLS operates
1512-526: The first being ready for traffic in 2004 was 243-5003-343. 244-5004-344 followed in 2006 and 242-5002-342 left Chernex works for traffic on 20 August 2008. The final unit, No. 241 – 5001 – 341 left Chernex on 7 July 2009 and was seen in Zweissimann two days later having worked a service from Montreux. The driving trailers that replaced ABt 5301-04 are: x43 and x44 were built by Ramseier+Jenzer and fitted with SIG-type bogies, x41 and x42 are built by Raility,
1566-505: The following formation: The Golden Pass "Chocolate Train" operates in June, September and October every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and in July and August Monday to Friday, departing Montreux at 9:12 (Train 2118) but no return working is shown in the timetable. Until the end of the 2008 season, it was made up in the following formation which ran throughout between Montreux and Broc Fabrique: In
1620-456: The following rolling stock. In 2010, 28 Stadler KISS EMUs were ordered; the first was delivered in March 2012. As of 2012 , BLS was planning to spend around 1·2bn SFr on new rolling stock by 2025, building a more standardised fleet with fewer different types of train. In 2017, 58 Stadler FLIRT EMUs were ordered, expected to enter service between 2021 and 2026. Since the merger, BLS has been
1674-530: The former Chemins de fer électriques Veveysans (CEV) line to Blonay branches off the Montreux–Lenk im Simmental line. Since the 1966 suspension of passenger services on this line, the Blonay–Chamby Museum Railway has been running scheduled nostalgic trips on summer weekends. The line still belongs to Transports Montreux–Vevey–Riviera , the successor company to the CEV. At Montbovon station, there
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1728-426: The former Biel-based coach work builder Ramseier+Jenzer . All coaches are air conditioned. These include: Note (a). BDs No. 220 was outshopped from Chernex in late June 2010, following a press demonstration the previous month, as the first vehicle to be fitted on axle-less, dual gauge bogies to be tested for readiness for the route running to Interlaken. The "Ordinary" stock is used on all services not operated by
1782-434: The main line services. To celebrate the centenary of the opening of the Lenk line (June 2012), the MOB arranged a week of festivities with a dinner, special fares and operation and display of rolling stock usually to be found on museum lines, particularly that at Blonay–Chamby Museum Railway . In spring 2008, the MOB announced a four-year plan to modernise the railway infrastructure and rebuild stations to bring them all into
1836-415: The new "golden pass" symbol and lettered Transgoldenpass . The blue lettering "bls" is also featured. The second coach is expected to be ready for traffic in June 2010. Four of the new coaches will be put between the two halves of ABDe 8/8 4001–4004, forming three-car-EMUs. The first of these to enter full revenue–earning service did so in mid-December 2010 when 231 and 232 were formed as a regular part of
1890-557: The oldest electric railways in the country. Its main line, 75.1 km (46.7 mi) in length, is built to the 1,000 mm ( 3 ft 3 + 3 ⁄ 8 in ) gauge. At Zweisimmen, passengers may transfer to the Spiez–Erlenbach–Zweisimmen line , a standard gauge line owned by BLS AG . A 12.9 km (8.0 mi) branch line also connects Zweisimmen to Lenk . The first section of line opened on 18 December 1901, between Montreux and Les Avants . The line
1944-515: The ones purchased by the Rhaetian Railway and BAM . Any of these locomotives can be seen working the principal trains. In December 2006, the TPF relinquished its freight operations to the SBB Cargo, and its two GDe 4/4 locomotives became surplus to requirements. In April 2007, these were purchased by the MOB and have since been allocated numbers following on from those of their new owners. The MOB
1998-525: The other side it descends the Simmen Valley to Zweisimmen, where there is a connection to the standard gauge line of the BLS to Spiez. Over the years, while passenger traffic boomed, freight traffic diminished with 2006 seeing the end of cement transport between Montreux and Saanen and the transport of standard gauge wagons on transporter bogies between Zweisimmen and stations to Rougemont and Lenk. By
2052-584: The past few years has aroused growing enthusiasm. The MOB begins its journey in Montreux, departing trains normally making use of platform 5 and arrivals platform 6, between the Swiss Federal Railway platforms and those of the rack and pinion railway to the Rochers de Naye . Winding its way up through the vineyards above Lake Geneva via Chamby , as far as Les Avants, the line passes through
2106-489: The planners would have liked a direct ascent of the Saanenmöser Pass but without the aid of a rack and pinion system this was impossible and the line was diverted to loop around the village of Gstaad, adding greatly to the development and prosperity of the community. Beyond Gstaad railway station it begins the climb to the head of Saanenmöser Pass, the highest point on the line at 1,270 m (3,937 ft). On
2160-476: The same standards. In the end, an agreement on 12 March 1907 regulating the unification of the MOB's and the CEG's lines laid out terms putting the ownership boundary 117 m from the arrival points at Château-d'Œx, and the CEG gave up its concession for the adjoining stretch of line. Meeting the line at Zweisimmen station is the standard-gauge Spiez–Zweisimmen railway , run by BLS AG . It affords links with Interlaken , Lucerne , Brig and Bern . Since
2214-416: The smallest stations and halts (Les Combes, between Château-d'Œx and Rougemont) was given a new raised platform during Autumn 2011, leaving only the waiting shelter as original. Work commenced on the rebuilding of Château-d'Œx station in mid–September 2013 and plans were published in the local newspaper with details of the work, which was carried out in three phases and completed by the end of 2014. Throughout
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2268-431: The station received platform canopies and passenger-operated lifts linked by a pedestrian underpass. During this rebuilding the station was reduced to a single line. The canopy is of wooden construction supported on metal uprights. The new layout gives the original platform as No.1 with the new island platform being Nos. 2 and 3. This work was officially opened, if not fully finished, on 13 June 2009. At Saanenmöser station,
2322-479: The stock owned by the Chemins de fer électriques Veveysans (CEV) but they also work short journeys over the MOB from Montreux to Fontanivent, Sonzier and Les Avants. Note 3: These units operate in pairs [ie xx02 + xx03] with coaches between- In 2009, a decision was made to change the livery on all rolling stock except for the Golden Pass Panorama and Golden Pass Classic trains. This was to include
2376-429: The successor company of R+J, and will receive Alstom Centro 1000 bogies with air suspension on delivery. On 22 June 2007, the MOB gave details to the press that it had placed orders with Raility of Biel for eight new air-conditioned coaches with large panoramic windows and low-floor access and seating. The coaches will have standard-level seating at the vestibule ends, with a central section of low-floor seating containing
2430-403: The trains with VIP seating. The formation, which is flexible, is usually as follows: This leaves a surplus of one domed observation car (two in use on the Golden Pass panorama and one on the "Chocolate Train") Golden Pass Classic trains operate daily departing Montreux at 8:47 and 13:45 (Trains 2216 and 3126), returning from Zweisimmen at 11:09 and 16:26 (Trains 2217 and 2127) and are made up in
2484-557: The various railways and funiculars marketed under the "Golden Pass" banner and the buses operated by the company. The colour scheme is to be a gold (lower portion) and white (upper portion) with all stock being rebranded "Golden Pass". The new colours will be applied to the stock as it passes through works, although the "Golden Pass" logo will be applied as soon as practicable. The first vehicle to be reliveried, First / Second Composite Coach AB307, appeared in traffic on 27 August 2010 (1). The passenger carrying rolling stock can be divided into
2538-513: The very start, the MOB had the character of a mainline railway and, at an early stage, through trains with dining and saloon coaches were introduced. The creation of the Golden Mountain Pullman Express in 1931 was unfortunately at a time of world economic crisis and this accounted for its lack of success. The saloon coaches 103–106 built for this train by Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL) were sold to
2592-453: The work, the passing-loop facility was maintained and raised platforms constructed, reached by subways from the station front. Construction work was delayed and the station officially reopened on 28 November 2015. From the beginning of the 2011 timetable, there are two Golden Pass Panoramic services with VIP domed observation cars, departing Montreux at 9:45 (Train 3118) and 15:45,(Train Nos 2128);
2646-486: Was built by a wholly owned subsidiary, BLS AlpTransit AG . By mid-2007 this company handed over the base tunnel to BLS AG. In 2009 this company was renamed BLS Netz AG and the entire BLS infrastructure passed over to this company which is mainly owned by the Swiss Confederation , which has paid for most of the recent investments. BLS AG owns or operates on the following railway lines: Also see Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon railway#Locomotives and multiple units BLS Cargo has
2700-421: Was closed on 14 June 1975, however, it was fully modernized between 1977 and 1979, having new tracks and overhead lines , reopening on 27 September 1979. New rolling stock was purchased (* in the list below) to operate this line together with the weekdays school service between Zweisimmen and Saanen . Since reopening it has been included in the regular operating schedule of the MOB with timetabled connections to
2754-610: Was developed by MOB and engineered by Prose company of Winterthur . Some components were designed for the Centro 1000 bogie and built by Alstom. Apart from changing the gauge, the bogies also adjust the height of the coaches to suit the different platform heights on the two gauges. MOB announced commercial service with variable gauge trains for 2015. The date of commercial through running Montreux to Interlaken has been postponed several times. Delays in manufacturing due to COVID-19 have been cited in 2020 and 2021. In spring 2021 launch date
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#17328021905092808-574: Was further extended from Les Avants to Montbovon on 1 October 1903, Chateau d'Œx on 19 August 1904, Gstaad on 20 December 1904, and Zweisimmen on 6 July 1905. The extension between Zweisimmen and Lenk im Simmental opened on 8 June 1912. Passenger service on the Lenk–Zweisimmen section was suspended between 1975–1979. Besides the GoldenPass Express , various regional trains run on the Montreux–Lenk im Simmental line: In Chamby,
2862-478: Was set to 11 December 2022. On 3 January 2018, one of three carriages of a train was blown off the tracks in high winds at Lenk. Eight people were injured. 46°26′8″N 6°54′40″E / 46.43556°N 6.91111°E / 46.43556; 6.91111 Montreux%E2%80%93Lenk im Simmental line The Montreux–Lenk im Simmental line is a metre-gauge electric railway line in Switzerland run by
2916-517: Was to reach an agreement or compromise between the two initiative committees, and with the cantonal governments that were affected. Since the Bern and Vaud cantonal governments supported the Montreux committee, the project initiators from Fribourg agreed to forgo the concession, but at the same time were given the right to build the station at Montbovon (which to this day belongs to the TPF). Still left open by
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