Created 9-Aug-17
Modified 8-Mar-24
The Stubaitalbahn (STB) was opened in 1904 and followed a sinuous route up the eponymous valley from Wilten (very close to Berg Isel) to Fulpmes. It was a pioneer of single-phase AC electrification, with an unusual 2.5kV 42.5Hz supply.
Due to the different power supply, through running to the rest of the Innsbruck system was not possible and the line’s terminus was at the Stubaitalbahnhof, a stop name that still survives today despite it no longer being a starting point for the journey.
The building of a new depot for the IVB fleet at Wilten provided an opportunity to build a connecting track between the two, the first stage towards the ultimate goal of through running. This target was achieved in 1983 when the line was converted to DC operation. The STB followed the 1 route into Innsbruck and from Andreas-Hofer-Straße it went by Anichstraße, Maria-Theresien-Straße and Museumstraße to Hauptbahnhof, returning along Salurner Straße, Maria-Theresien-Straße and Anichstraße. From 1997 it was diverted, along with the 1, from Andreas-Hofer-Straße along new track on Innrain and Marktgraben to Museumstraße.
Due to the different signalling system on the STB, not all cars in the current fleet can work the service. Initially trams 351-356 were fitted with signalling equipment but it was found necessary to adapt two more and thus 325 and 326 were done.
Various small improvements continue to be made to improve the service and a major one currently in progress is the building of a new Mühlbachgrabenbrücke near Nockhofweg-Muttereralmbahn stop which will avoid the existing bridge and tunnel and lead to a significant reduction in journey time.
© David Beilby
