A RhB ABe 8/12 “Allegra” multiple unit in Pontresina. (Photo: David Gubler/User Kabelleger via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

For 15 years, the RhB Allegra multiple units have been operating with the VisiWeb passenger information system supplied by Ruf. This summer, Ruf upgraded the mobile communication gateways to ensure long-term reliability of data communication.

The Ruf Group has modernised the onboard communication gateways in 15 multiple units of the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). The refit was carried out in view of the planned shutdown of the 3G mobile network at the end of 2025. In future, data transmission will be handled exclusively via the current mobile communication technologies LTE/4G and 5G. After successful completion of the project, Ruf System Engineering conducted a hands-on training session for RhB maintenance staff.

The project is a good example of how subsystems and components can be efficiently maintained and adapted to technological progress thanks to the modular architecture of the VisiWeb passenger information system – thereby protecting the operator’s long-term investment.

The vehicles concerned are three-car electric multiple units of type ABe 8/12 “Allegra”, manufactured by Swiss rolling stock producer Stadler Rail. They were originally fitted with the VisiWeb passenger information system in 2010. The system includes visual and acoustic passenger information, video surveillance, and data management between the trains and the RhB control centre.