The Maokong Gondola is Taipei, Taiwan’s 4.0km cable car system, transporting riders to Maokong, a mountainous tourist area on the city’s southern tip. With 6 stations en route (4 passenger and 2 angle stations), passengers can stop to visit the zoo, a beautiful temple and tea plantation.
Prior to the construction of the cable car, roads leading to this recreational area during weekends was often congested as vehicles packed the narrow and perilously steep hilly roads. To enhance tourism and reduce motorized traffic, the government decided to implement the cable car in 2002.
While it is a tourist-oriented line, the system is well integrated into the local transit network, both physically and fare-wise. Access to the system can be made via a quick and painless ride on the city’s Wenshan-Neihu Metro Line. A popular attraction in Taipei, it attracts many visiting and local families. With its multiple station configuration, fares are charged on a sensible “fare-by-distance” basis. Students however, can ride for free. Stay in school, kids!
System Statistics
| Length (km) | 4.0 |
| Stations | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2007 |
| Capacity | 2,000-2,400 |
| Ridership (yearly) | ~2,000,000 |
| Trip Time | ~20 minutes |
| Maximum Speed (m/s) | 6 |
Image credits: CC BY 2.0, by Sonse