Lucerne: Initiative For Urban Cable Car
The extraordinary CityLink Lucerne project combines a tunnel and a cable car. It is relatively cost-effective, can be privately financed, and is achievable by 2033.
The CityLink Lucerne will primarily benefit the people of Lucerne, but visitors from Central Switzerland and travelers from Switzerland and abroad will also benefit.
The CityLink Lucerne combines the elimination of coach parking in the city center with a new connection from Lucerne's city center via the Lucerne Cantonal Hospital to the Ibach work area. This long-term solution to coach parking will enhance public space in the city center – freeing up Schwanenplatz, Löwenplatz, and Kasernenplatz. The project also includes the provision of ecological district heating for the Old Town.
Convincing route
The CityLink Lucerne consists of two approximately one-kilometer-long sections. The first section runs underground with overhead rails, while the second runs above ground as a cable car to Ibach. The terminal stations are located in Ibach and the Old Town, with an intermediate station beneath the Cantonal Hospital providing direct access to Spitalplatz. Almost the entire above-ground section lies within the city of Lucerne.
Largely privately financed
The CityLink project is estimated to cost CHF 150–190 million. Private financing, including operation and maintenance, is possible. The initiators aim to minimize the financial burden on the city and canton, but rely on support from the authorities (e.g., regulatory submissions, the granting of building land under building leases, and crossing rights).
Who is behind CityLink Lucerne?
The CityLink Lucerne interest group consists of around 20 committed private companies and organizations from the city and the region. The CityLink interest group has been working diligently on this innovative project for several years and has been continuously developing it at its own expense.
The popular initiative
Before beginning to develop a detailed project, the CityLink Lucerne interest group wants to be sure that the public supports the project idea. A first, important step is therefore the organization of a popular initiative in the city of Lucerne. This requires at least 800 signatures. The schedule is as follows: Signature collection from April 26 to June 25, 2025, signature submission in summer 2025, and a vote expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Project planning is planned for 2027 to 2030, followed by implementation. Commissioning in 2033 is realistic.
