The Glattalbahn is a new metre-gauge light rail system to the north of Zurich, Switzerland. The Central glottal region has undergone extensive population and economic growth, resulting in traffic and transport congestion. The concept of the Glattalbahn was born in 1990 and received vigorous support from the government of Canton Zurich. The Glattalbahn was incorporated into the 'Cantonal Recommendation Plan', the coordinating instrument for the development of the cantonal area. The light rail system was planned as a line layout between the Swiss Federal Railways rail stations Zurich Oerlikon and Zurich Airport. The Glattalbahn was approved by the electrorate of Canton Zurich in February 2003. The construction licence for the Glattalbahn was granted in 2004 by the Federal Transport Office. Building of the first stage between the Messe/Hallenstadion and Zurich Auzelg began in 2004, with the line planned to enter service in 2006. Completion of the second stage between Ambassador and Zurich Airport and of the third station between Zurich Auzelg and Zurich Stettbach are planned for 2008 and 2010, respectively. The sustainability and financing of the project and the cooperative project planning process are discussed.
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