area, the VBG, was charged with managing the implementation of the project, and it in turn subcontracted the operation of the rail services to the VBZ. The system was developed in three phases: Phase 1 saw Zürich city trams extended from Messe to Auzelg. Construction began in 2004 and this line was inaugurated in late 2006. It is operated as an extension of city route 11. Phase 2 branched off from phase 1 and ran to Zurich Flughafen, Bahnhof via Opfikon and Glattbrugg. Construction began in 2006 and the line was opened in December 2008. The route is operated as an extension of city route 10. Phase 3 saw the phase 1 line extended from Auzelg via Wallisellen to Bahnhof Stettbach in Dübendorf. Construction began in 2008 for a 2010 opening. Trams now run from Zurich Airport to Bahnhof Stettbach as the new route 12. The Federal Council approved an extension on April 6, 2022. Operation The Stadtbahn Glattal is operated by Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ) as an extension to its Zürich tram network. The following routes are operated: Routes 10 and 12 are operated by the VBZ on behalf of the VBG, normally using low floor Cobra tramcars in the VBG's own predominantly white colour scheme. Route 11 is operated by the VBZ on its own behalf, normally using vehicles in its own livery with journeys alternating between low floor and older high floor vehicles. Future plans There are several future plans for extension of the system. As a first stage, the route from the airport to the centre and industrial and commercial area of Kloten is to be extended from 2025 onwards, with the terminus in Bassersdorf Grindel. The project includes a bridge over the airport motorway, a main cycle link and the upgrading of the old stream in the centre of Kloten. The further extension plans are as yet uncommitted, although in some cases the proposed alignment has been protected. They include: The Ringbahn Hardwald extends the system from the end of the current phase 2 line at Zurich Flughafen, Bahnhof, via Kloten, Bassersdorf, Dietlikon and Dübendorf, to a common terminus with the already built phase 3 line at Stettbach railway station. An extension from Dübendorf to Uster. An extension to Bülach. References External links Tram transport in Switzerland Public transport in Switzerland Transport in Zürich VBG Metre gauge railways in Switzerland Swiss companies established in 2004 Transport