Since 115 years,
a part of Lugano’s history
Since 1908, the Monte Brè Funicular has been part of Lugano’s history. In 2023, the Funicular reaches the milestone of 115 years of activity.
To celebrate our anniversary, we have created a video to explore our magnificent peak with all the activities to be discovered.
In the course of the year, we will update you with many activities organised to celebrate our 115th year. Stay tuned!
History in brief
2002
2003
2004
2005
FMB obtains the renewal of the Operating Authorisation for the next 20 years and plans major extraordinary maintenance work costing CHF 1.8 million.
2006
Major work is carried out on the infrastructure to ensure the safety of the line, in accordance with the parameters required by the Federal Authority.
2007
The legislature of the City of Lugano approves the Municipal Message concerning the increase in FMB’s share capital, with a view to enabling the maintenance and renovation works requested along with the issuance of the Authorization. On the technical side, important work is carried out, including: the overhaul of the electrical and electronic systems of the 2 nd section, the activation of the fire detection systems in the Suvigliana building, and the installation of lightning protection systems at the summit, as well as the installation of an alarm transmission radio between the carriages in the 1 st section and the TPL Operations Centre.
2008
An Extraordinary General Meeting is convened to amend the Articles of Association and sign the notarial deed relating to the capital increase from CHF 800,000.00 to 2,600,000.00. An Information Office is opened at the Lugano Centro bus terminal and a book is published for the 100-year anniversary of operation of the Funicular.
2009
Following the changes in the corporate structure, the Board of Directors is reappointed. The commitment of the City of Lugano is further manifested through the purchase of the land on the top of Monte Brè, including the summit restaurant. On the technical side, the carriages in the first section are removed from the track to enable their safety and design features to be adapted and the installation of the fire detection system in all buildings is completed.
2010
The City arranges for the renovation of the summit restaurant and the funicular reintroduces evening runs on Fridays and Saturdays until 23:00.
2011
On the technical side, the remote-surveillance and power systems in section 2 and the remote-surveillance system in section 1 are replaced.
2012
FMB focuses its efforts on communication, through multiple innovative marketing campaigns aimed at promoting the joy of ascending to the summit and all the leisure opportunities it offers. To this end, the infrastructure of the picnic area is also renovated.
2013
2014
The signage at the stations is completely redesigned, with the aim of making the experience of ascending to the summit easier and more pleasant, including through a more modern look in line with the expectations of current users. During the winter break in operation, important extraordinary maintenance work is carried out involving the replacement of the idler wheel in the first section. The replacement, which is carried out in the Suvigliana engine room, is a particularly delicate and complex procedure, considering the limited spaces and access routes. In addition, the power unit in section 1 is replaced.
2015
Maintenance and repair work is carried out on the infrastructure of both sections, including the toilets, maintenance of the platform roofs, and maintenance of walls and stairs along the track.
2016
2017
The Shareholders’ Meeting approves the increase in share capital necessary to cover important and indispensable investments following the approval from the City Council for the allocation of the necessary funds, as well as the Agreement up to 2019. The drive wheel and its components in the second section are replaced.
2018
With the collaboration of TCS, the bike fleet at the summit is replaced by purchasing 12 new mountain bikes. The credit card payment system is installed in the Suvigliana station. The video surveillance system on the line and in the stations of Section I is updated and implemented.
2019
On the basis of the new regulations, the Shareholders’ Meeting resolves to modify the Company’s stocks from bearer shares to registered shares. It is also decided to eliminate preference shares and convert them all into ordinary shares. The Funicular achieves the best results ever in terms of both the number of passengers and related revenues.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic leads to the closure of the facility from March to June, 2020. The necessary measures for the safety of personnel and users are subsequently adopted, allowing operation to resume on 6 June, 2020.
2021
Despite the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a record-breaking year in terms of both passengers transported and profit achieved.
