Post by Steven Dale
Others might disagree with my selection, but if you’re new to the world of Cable Propelled Transit (CPT) and Urban Gondolas, these are the 7 aerial systems you need to know about:
1. The Medellin Metrocables
Really and truly, this is the place it all started. Medellin has three Metrocables already in operation with plans for several more. If you are to understand CPT and Urban Gondolas, this is the place to start. Learn more about the Medellin Metrocables here.
The Medellin Metrocable. Flickr image by il Castigliano.
2. The Caracas Metrocables
The successor to the Medellin systems. Caracas is aggressively planning/building several more CPT lines. The systems are part of a dramatic social rebuilding process and stations double as community centers, markets, gymnasiums, etc. This social mandate added greatly to the cost of the system, making it appear as though the transit system was more than 10 times the cost than it actually was. Learn more about the Caracas Metrocable here.
The Caracas Metrocable. Flickr image by Uh Ah, Chavez no se va
3. The Roosevelt Island Tram
New York’s Roosevelt Island Tram (RIT) has a wonderful history. Originally planned as a stop-gap measure in the 1970’s, the RIT was to carry new residents of Roosevelt Island to Manhattan via Aerial Tram but only until a subway connection was established. However, once the subway connection was established, residents still enjoyed the Tram’s view and experience. Ridership did, however, dwindle due to lack of Fare Integration. Once a deal was struck to remedy this problem, ridership increased greatly. The system is undergoing a major renovation and the Aerial Tram will be replaced with a Funifor style system this fall. Learn more about the Roosevelt Island Tram here.
The Roosevelt Island Tram. Flickr image by Susan NYC.
4. The Koblenz Rheinseilbahn
As described before the Koblenz, Germany’s Rheinseilbahn has been designed as a demonstration piece for how Urban Gondolas could best fit into the urban environment. Their “Urban Concept” vehicles are absolutely inspired. It’s a shame the systems are more Toy For Tourist than fully-integrated CPT system, but it’s a step in the right direction. Learn more about the Koblenz Rheinseilbahn here.
The Koblenz Rheinseilbahn. Image by Steven Dale.
5. Algerian Gondolas
Having never seen these systems personally, it’s hard to comment on their importance. Word on the street, however, is that three different Urban Gondola systems are in operation and a few more are under construction. Their geo-political isolation, strong uptake and complete lack of publicly available information makes these systems a tantalizing prospect for adventurous researchers. Learn more about the Algerian Gondolas here.
Tlemcen, Algeria. Image courtesy of Doppelmayr.
6. The Funivia Del Renon
Owing to its Northern Italian heritage, it’s no wonder this system in Bolzano oozes style. It is a stunning example of how to blend station architecture into the existing urban fabric. Too bad the capacity is so curiously low wait times can reach up to 30 minutes. The Funivia uses a 3S style technology, which as any reader of The Gondola Project knows is the highest capacity technology around. Why then does the Funivia only carry 500 pphpd? Learn more about the Funivia Del Renon here.
The Funivia del Renon. Flickr image by Alex Andreis.
7. Portland Aerial Tram
From a design perspective, this system is a necessity. It’s beautiful, with elegant swooping towers and custom-designed cabins. And while the system experiences double the ridership than originally expected, the system has one inherent flaw: It’s an Aerial Tram. The question you should turn over your head every time you encounter this system is this: Why did planners opt for an Aerial Tram rather than a Gondola-based system? Furthermore, it’s complex history of poor planning, last minute changes, and lack of community engagement makes it a fascinating case study of how not to build a CPT system. Learn more about the Portland Aerial Tram here.
The Portland Aerial Tram. Flickr image by Janet Crum.
Want more? Purchase Cable Car Confidential: The Essential Guide to Cable Cars, Urban Gondolas & Cable Propelled Transit and start learning about the world's fastest growing transportation technologies.
Want more? Purchase Cable Car Confidential: The Essential Guide to Cable Cars, Urban Gondolas & Cable Propelled Transit and start learning about the world's fastest growing transportation technologies.
