New York’s famous Roosevelt Island Tram will be closing this spring for a complete overhaul. The system, built in the late 70’s is one of the few public CPT systems in North America and recently became fully-integrated into that city’s transit system. So if any of you are in NY in the next month, take...
The Hotel Palafitte is what the tourism industry calls an “overwater bungalow.” For those who don’t know (and I certainly didn’t), overwater bungalows are a rare commodity in the resort industry. That rarity commands top dollar. Rooms at the Hotel Palafitte can easily eclipse (US)$1,000 per night. The hotel receives unanimously positive reviews and reservations...
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...
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...
I was recently sent a link to the fascinating Kolelinia aerial cable support system for bicycles. While not cable propelled, per se, it clearly uses cables and is well worth exploring. Created by architect Martin Angelov, the Kolelinia allows cyclists to travel in mid-air above the line of traffic. Cyclists follow narrow u-shaped furrows supported...