The Zagreb Funicular is the funicular in Zagreb, Croatia, operated by ZET, situated in Tomić Street, connecting Ilica (Donji Grad) with Strossmayerovo šetalište (Strossmayer promenade) to the north (Gornji Grad). Its 66 m track makes it one of the shortest public-transport funiculars in the world.

History

In 1888, D.W. Klein won a concession to build a funicular in Zagreb. The funicular was built and put into operation in 1890. The funicular was propelled by a steam engine. Initially, the steam pressure was so low, and repairs were so frequent, that it remained out of operation nearly half of the time. In 1934 its steam propulsion was replaced by an electric motor. In 1969 operation of the funicular was suspended due to security reasons: its systems were worn out. Repairs lasted four and half years, and it was put back in operation on July 26, 1974. Having in mind that it kept its original shape, constructional and most of the technical properties, it was given legal protection as a monument of culture.

Technical characteristics

The funicular has two cars for 28 passengers each (16 seated and 12 standing places). It runs at a speed of 1.5 m/s, requiring 64 seconds to cross the distance. Its rides are scheduled every 10 minutes every day from 6:30 to 24:00. The cars are 5640 mm long, and weigh 5.05 t when empty. Each can carry 2240 kg. The electrical engine is in the northern (upper) station. It has a power output of 28.5 kW, operates on 400 V direct current, at 720 revolutions per minute. The funicular runs on a gauge track, track length is only 66 m, but height difference is 30.5 m and inclination 52%. This makes it one of the shortest, but also one of the steepest funiculars in the world.