In Cable-Propelled Transit (CPT) support describes the guideway along which a vehicle travels. Support can either be provided from above the vehicle (in the case of Gondolas and Aerial Trams) or below the vehicle (in the case of Funiculars and Cable Cars).
Support can either by provided by rails or cables. In all but the rarest of examples, support from above is provided by cable and support from below is provided by rails.
Support From Above By Cable
Support From Below By Rail
There is one rare class of Cable Car that is also supported by rails. This rare class uses rails that are actually embedded within the asphalt of roads. Though historically widespread, street-supported Cable Cars are limited only to San Francisco’s historic Cable Cars. Modern Cable Cars tend to be supported on elevated guideways.
Historical Street-Supported Cable Car
Contemporary Cable Cars Typically Use Elevated Guideways
Proceed to Basic Lesson 5 to learn about Propulsion
Return to Basic Lesson 3 to learn about Aerial Trams & Funiculars
Creative Commons images by bristol’s family, digika, Saopaulo1, and Perugia-City.com
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