Transit is about people. It’s as pure and simple as that. Start with the user, the rider, the people and go from there. Figure out your machines after you’ve figured out your people.
None of these are what I would consider appropriate examples of Cable Propelled Transit, but they’re neat to look at nonetheless. They give you a sense of how old and basic the technology is. In essence, these are a few of the historic installations that gave rise to modern cable systems. They are still used...
Probably one of the single biggest counter-points to urban cable systems is the stations. People are quick to argue that the stations are large, ugly and imposing. It’s a difficult point to argue with because most cable stations are just that: Large, ugly and imposing. But then again, so are many of our traditional transit...
Take a look at that picture again . . . Now take a look at this one: Looks like the same system, right? Well, you’re sort of right and sort of wrong. It is, indeed, the same system, but they’re in two different cities! For those who don’t know (and I certainly didn’t), the biannual...
A Thought Experiment: Imagine no such thing as public transit had ever existed. Instead, you had a vision last night and dreamt up the concept today. You decide this is a great idea and call it “public transit.” You want to sell this public transit thing to an investor, (public or private, it doesn’t matter) and you...
Never ignore the local, vernacular knowledge of a foreign land. When you plan or decide for someone else, it’s your obligation to listen to what the locals know. When you don’t, things can go terribly wrong. For example: The Marine Atlantic ferry system linking the island of Newfoundland to Canada’s mainland is a disaster as...
Monocable Detachable Gondolas (MDG) are likely the most common CPT system you’ll encounter as their low cost has made them an attractive addition to public transit systems in the developing world. Systems like the Medellin MetroCable, Telecabine de Constantine and Caracas Metrocable all use MDG technology. Characterized by a detachable grip which allows for intermediary...
Last week, a young man snapped a photo of a sleeping Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) worker. Given the age that we live in, the man uploaded the image to his Twitter account and the image went viral almost immediately. No wonder . . . The TTC is in a shambles. Fares are continually increased while...
One of the difficulties and beauties of cable research is keeping up with all the unique systems that pop up in the most seemingly unlikely of places. One such system is the Vinpearl Land Gondola in Vietnam. The system connects the Vinpearl Land Resort on Hon Tre Island with the Vietnamese mainland. The sea-crossing is...