Jenesien, Italy — The world’s first aerial tramway featuring LEITNER’s DirectDrive system is set to debut in South Tyrol in northern Italy in 2027 and marks a groundbreaking step for the ropeway industry.
This drive system operates without any gears and is almost soundless in operation. The DirectDrive technology is already in equipped 200+ ropeways in over 25 countries but the Bolzano–San Genesio Aerial Tramway will be the first aerial tramway to utilize the system praised for its “incomparably low maintenance requirement.”
The DirectDrive consists of a low-speed gearless permanent magnet synchronous motor. Its output shaft is directly connected to the sheave and therefore a gearbox is not required:
“A groundbreaking step for the ropeway industry. The new Bolzano–San Genesio aerial tramway will be the world’s first aerial tramway to feature DirectDrive! That’s a revolution in efficiency, sustainability and comfort. With its gearbox‑free technology, DirectDrive drastically reduces noise and mechanical wear, improves availability and ensures quieter operation for the surrounding community. Alongside this innovation, the project includes panoramic cabins with adaptive transparency and energy‑generating carriage rollers. A milestone that sets a new global benchmark for modern and sustainable mobility.” -LEITNER
LEITNER PRESS RELEASE:
From 2027, the world’s first aerial tramway with DirectDrive technology will connect Bolzano and San Genesio
With the contract signed on 30 December 2025, South Tyrolean Transport Structures Inc. (STA) has awarded the construction of the new aerial tramway from Bolzano to San Genesio to the consortium comprising of LEITNER, Unionbau and Elpo.
The contract was signed by STA CEO Joachim Dejaco and Giorgio Pilotti, Head of Sales LEITNER Italy. The new installation, with an order volume of around 27 million euros, will link the provincial capital with the San Genesio plateau in just over six minutes. Two cabins, each with 45 seats, will run at 10-minute intervals at speeds of up to twelve meters per second. The transport capacity is between 270 and 350 people per hour, depending on the mode of operation.
By slightly adjusting the route in the upper section, the mid-station that was originally planned can be omitted. In addition, the bottom station will be moved about four meters towards the road.
LEITNER DirectDrive
Redundant cooling concept
The motor is kept at optimum operating temperature by two axially-mounted sound-damped fan coolers. If one cooler should malfunction, the motor can still guarantee continued operation with only one cooler.
Optimum availability thanks segment design
The motor is designed with up to eight segments. Should one segment malfunction, the motor is still able to continue operating and carrying passengers safely, even at reduced power. Windings, magnets and bearings can all be replaced very quickly without the roof of the station having to be opened. This all results in optimum availability of the installation.
Replacement of a single winding
When the appropriate device is bolted onto the motor housing, the defective winding can be lifted out very quickly. In the next step, the new winding is lifted into place and the motor can already be used at full power the next day to take up operation. It is possible to complete the entire replacement procedure within two hours.
