04
Jun

2014

Update: Gondola Diversification – Scotland and the Alps

Freight Deck Cabin. Image by Ross Edgar.

A few months ago, guest contributor Ross Edgar wrote a great piece on the diversification of gondolas in Scotland and the Alps.

Last time he visited, he was unable to get a good photo of the system’s “Freight Deck”, which essentially is a cabin specifically designed to carry equipment and goods.

Luckily for us, he took a trip again to Nevis Range this past week and was able to get a great capture this time around.

If you haven’t already, you should definitely take some time to read the articles (Scotland part 1, Alps part 2).

He provides a fantastic insight and overview on how ski resorts are now offering a greater assortment of recreational activities aside from winter sports.

Thanks again to Ross for sharing with us the updates.

 

 



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06
Jun

2014

Weekly Roundup: Santiago Cable Car Prepares Tender, Line Red in La Paz Opens for Service

Rendering of Teleferico Bicentenario. Image from ciudadempresarial.cl.

A quick look at some of the things that happened this week in the world of cable cars, urban gondolas and cable propelled transit:



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12
Jun

2014

Cable Car Photo of the Week: Telefèric de Montjuïc

Image by Flickr user Alexander Johmann.

Photographer: 

Photo by Flickr user Alexander Johmann.

About:

Every Thursday, the Gondola Project team will select stunning captures of CPT lines. We hope this will continue to bring more attention to the technology and provide visually impactful examples of cable car systems worldwide. If you’d like to submit or nominate a picture for our “Photo of the Week”, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below or send us an email at gondola@creativeurbanprojects.com.



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13
Jun

2014

Weekly Roundup: More Urban Cable Cars Planned for La Paz and El Alto

 photo 0011_zps4a67549d.jpg

Linea Roja. Image from Photobucket.

A quick look at some of the things that happened this week in the world of cable cars, urban gondolas and cable propelled transit:



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17
Jun

2014

Cable Pet Transit

Image by Flickr user wendyhespe.

A recent conversation with guest contributor Ross Edgar brought up an interesting topic that’s yet to be discussed on the Gondola Project: cable cars and pets.

This is a little surprising to us, especially since we ourselves have Joy, our very own office hound who’s been aboard countless gondola trips.

In the US alone, the pet industry is worth an estimated $55 billion where 2/3 of households own some sort of pet. And in the developing world pet ownership levels are now reaching new heights. The Chinese and Brazilian market for example, has grown by 28% and 17% respectively in the past couple of years.

So while our furry companions are quickly becoming an integral part of our lives in more and more countries, it appears the policy regime that regulates their ability to ride cable lifts remains largely inconsistent.

Logically one might expect dog-friendly nations (i.e. UK, Canada, USA and etc.) to have more predictable standards for pets, but a quick google search appears to indicate otherwise.

Pet Friendly cabin on Telluride/Mountain Village Gondola. Image by Flickr user Mary Dawn DeBriae.

For example, despite the UK being recognized as one of the world’s dog-friendliness nations, this country has drastically varying CPT pet policies.

As Ross can tell you, dogs are not permitted to ride the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. But if he visited the Heights of Abraham or Nevis Range Gondola, his canine companion would be welcomed with open arms. And if he travelled to London to ride the Emirates Air Line, staff members may or may not allow the animal to board based on their discretion.

These inconsistent pet policies are not limited to Great Britain and appears to be similar throughout the developed world. In North America, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Sea to Sky Gondola and Squaw Valley Aerial Aerial Tram permit pets while the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Portland Aerial Tram forbids them.

So why is there this inconsistent policy towards our four-legged friends? Do people have a right to bring their pets with them? Or is the ultimate decision best left for system operators?

As a former pet owner, I am torn between the two and see the merits and disadvantages from both sides.

But what are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your views on this.



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20
Jun

2014

Weekly Roundup: Yenimahalle-Şentepe Cable Car Opens for Passenger Transport



A quick look at some of the things that happened this week in the world of cable cars, urban gondolas and cable propelled transit:



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24
Jun

2014

Honda’s Briefcase Motorcycle – The MotoCompo

The super miniature Motocompo scooter next to HONDACITY subcompact hatchback. Image from Wikipedia.

As more and more of the human population migrates to cities, the need for intelligent urban transport solutions grows ever more urgent. And perhaps as a response to these circumstances, Honda was responsible for developing a very simple, ingenious and cutting-edge solution (at least in the 1980s) to the dreaded urban commute.



The Motocompo, a super miniature scooter, has been aptly nicknamed by its cult-like followers as a “briefcase motorcycle” or a “bike in a box”. First launched in 1981, buyers of the Honda City or Honda Today had the option of adding on a Motocompo to their purchase for only $350. The scooter with its side handles and collapsable steering shafts allows it to be easily transported and stored almost anywhere. Unfortunately, these units were not available to most consumers as they were only sold domestically in Japan.

Motocompo stored in trunk when not in use. Image from Wikipedia.

And for the cramped and dense metropolises of the rising sun where living space comes at a premium, the Motocompo’s space-savviness appeared to be an ideal solution.

Makers optimistically estimated that they would sell 10,000 each month but in reality, only 53,000 units were bought over the course of 2 years until Honda pulled the plug in 1983.

Due to its rarity, its status today is merely relegated to a collector’s item where one can cost you upwards of $10,000 USD! It’s not entirely clear why the Motocompo never caught on but Honda has certainly not forgotten about this concept.

As personal portable mobility demands will likely intensify with growing urban populations, an eco-friendly and compact scooter with great mileage (100 mpg) may finally find its niche amongst the billions of city dwellers. In fact, the automaker completely redesigned the scooter and unveiled it in 2011 as the Motor Compo. However, a few years down the line, there’s little word if or when the first of these vehicles will ever hit the road.

If history provides any lessons, for the Motor Compo to have any chance of success they may need to do some work on their previous somewhat funny, yet incredibly corny advertisement.



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