A quick look at some of the things that happened this week in the world of cable cars, urban gondolas, and cable propelled transit:
Koblenz Rheinseilbahn. Image by Flickr user Steffi.
- Bad news coming from Koblenz, Germany: ICOMO’s (International Council for Monuments and Sites) position paper states that Koblenz Rheinseilbahn is not compatible with the surrounding historical area and calls for its dismantling in 2014. However, local groups are fighting back and now trying to drum up support to keep the cable car.
- More news coming from Germany, but this time from Ingolstadt. There appears to be a very preliminary proposal on the table for an urban gondola system that’s up to 7km in length.
- The Guardian gives us a fascinating and detailed update into what has transpired since the slew of social infrastructure projects – including the Metrocable lines – were constructed in Medellin, Colombia. While the urban gondola systems, libraries and public art projects have undoubtedly improved the lives of thousands, violence and civil unrest continue to be challenges faced by barrio residents.
- Rocinha – Brazil’s largest favela – is divided on whether a new cable car is the highest priority project for the neighbourhood. Some argue that basic sanitation and trash collection should be improved first and foremost. Nonetheless, despite these concerns, it seems like the current plans are moving forward and calls for two cable car lines totalling 6 stations.