The First Railway continued its success story in the 2018 financial year, once again exceeding the good performance of the previous year. It transported 587,500 guests. This is a passenger record and an increase of 18.2 per cent on the previous year. In the summer months from April to November 2018, the increase was 26.8 per cent. Total transport income increased by 29.2% to 17.0 million Swiss francs. It rose by 30.9 per cent to CHF 10.6 million in the summer season and by 30.6 per cent to CHF 6.4 million in the winter season.

The fact that the First Railway, after its launch in 2017, was in continuous operation for the second time between the winter and summer season paid off. This meant that guests could be offered an attractive excursion destination in April. The long-lasting warm summer weather contributed to the good result.

Growth in the adventure offer
Growth was also recorded in the adventure offer. In 2018, it generated revenue of CHF 3.4 million, an increase of CHF 1 million on the previous year. This result is particularly noteworthy, since it is a major challenge for mountain railways to generate income in addition to the sale of train tickets, with offers on the mountain in the highly competitive price market. Thanks to the new adventure offers, 20 positions have been created at the First Railway in recent years.

To further strengthen the First – Top of Adventure brand and the First Railway, the company is constantly investing in increasing the attractiveness of its offer on the mountain. Two further projects are planned, the planning permission for which is still pending.

Firstbahn AG is part of the Jungfrau Railway Group. Important success factors for the 6-seater aerial gondola from Grindelwald to First are its clear positioning as a year-round experience mountain as well as a winter sports area for freestylers big and small.