The Wuppertal Schwebebahn, the oldest electric elevated railway with hanging cars, was built as an innovative solution to the traffic problems of the then-independent, growing industrial cities, such as Elberfeld and Barmen, in the narrow Wuppertal valley. Its space-saving design, running above the river Wupper, made it possible to connect the cities efficiently without occupying additional land. Powered by electricity, the monorail quickly became a symbol of progress and mobility, revolutionized local transport, promoted economic development, and influenced urbanization along the route, as residential and industrial areas near the stations densified and expanded. To this day, the Schwebebahn defines Wuppertal’s cityscape and serves as a lasting model of bold, innovative transport infrastructure.
What was the impact or result of this Brave Decision?
Revolutionized public transport and connected industrial and residential areas quickly and reliably in a dense area. The railway line is credited with growth of the original cities and their eventual merger into Wuppertal.
Who was the master mind of the Brave Decision?
Eugen Langen, a German industrialist and engineer