Zecca–Righi funicular explained

Zecca–Righi funicular
Status:Open
Start:Largo della Zecca
Stations:7
Open:1895
Linelength:1428m (4,685feet)

The Zecca–Righi funicular (Italian: Funicolare Zecca–Righi) is a funicular railway in the Italian city of Genoa connecting the Largo della Zecca, on the edge of the historic city centre, to several stations on the slope of the Righi hill. The line is one of several true funiculars in the city, including the Sant'Anna funicular and the Quezzi funicular, although the Principe–Granarolo rack railway is also sometimes erroneously described as a funicular.

History

The line was originally built as a two-section funicular, with passengers transferring between the two sections at the station of San Nicola. The upper section opened in 1895 and was constructed in the open, with three intermediate stations at Madonnetta, Via Preve and San Simone, as well as the section terminals at San Nicola and Righi. The lower section opened in 1897 and was entirely in tunnel, except for its terminals and the single intermediate station at Carbonara.[1]

Between 1963 and 1965, the line was completely rebuilt as a single section funicular, with a passing loop at San Nicola and retaining all the existing stations. In 1990, the line was again rebuilt, with longer trains and platforms, and an increased haulage speed.[1]

The line closed on 31 March 2015 for an overhaul, which is expected to last 3 months.[2]

From 1 December 2021 it has been free to use courtesy of the Municipality of Genoa and AMT.[3]

Operation

The line is currently managed by AMT Genova, and has the following parameters:[1] [4]

Number of cars2 trains of 2 cars each
Number of stops7 (2 terminal, 5 intermediate)
ConfigurationSingle track with passing loop
Track length1428m (4,685feet)
Track gauge
Rise279m (915feet)
Gradient19.91% (average); 35% (maximum)
Capacity156 passengers per train
FrequencyEvery 15 minutes
Maximum speed

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Funicolare Zecca Righi . it . AMT Genova . 2015-05-26.
  2. News: Zecca-Righi funicular overhauled . Today's Railways Europe . June 2015 . Platform 5 Publishing Ltd . 18 . Marco . Cacozza . 234.
  3. Web site: Mobilità sostenibile, prolungata fino al 31 luglio la gratuità di metro e impianti verticali . 30 March 2022 . 2022-05-18 . it-IT.
  4. Web site: The funiculars of Genova - Funicolare Zecca - Righi . . 2015-05-26 .