The manager of La Paz’s Mi Teleférico urban gondola system, César Dockweiler, officially announced that the city will open its fifth urban gondola system, the Orange Line (Spanish: Línea Naranja) on September 29. This is a (few) week(s) ahead of schedule as the system’s original inauguration date was supposed to be in October.
Once opened, this means that three Cable Propelled Transit lines will be connected together. With improved connectivity, passengers on the Blue Line’s (Spanish: Línea Azul) western terminus, Wana Jawira station in El Alto, can travel through 9.7km of urban gondolas via the Red Line before arriving at the Orange Line’s eastern terminus, Villarroel.
The cable car operator has invited all residents to celebrate this momentous occasion by gathering at Plaza Villaroel, the Orange Line’s eastern terminus and future interchange station with the White Line (Spanish: Línea Blanca).
To follow live updates from the world’s largest urban gondola network, check out their Twitter or Facebook page. We will be sure to provide any new photos and information as it comes!
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Genting Highlands, also known as Resorts World Genting, is a Malaysian resort complex situated at the top of Gunung Ulu Kali (1,800 meters above sea level). This “City of Entertainment” is located about an hour’s drive from the nation’s capital of Kuala Lumpur and comprises of five hotels, shopping malls, a theme park, and casinos.
The idea of this hilltop resort was conceived by Malaysian entrepreneur Lim Goh Tong while he worked on a hydro-electric plant in the nearby Cameron Highlands. After an arduous construction process, Resorts World Genting opened its doors for business in 1971. —
Today, Genting Highlands is a remarkable success. The resort is a one of the most popular weekend getaway destinations in the region, attracting over 20 million visitors annually from across Malaysia and the rest of Asia. As this destination contains the country’s only legal land casino, it’s no surprise that Genting Highlands is dubbed the “Las Vegas of Malaysia”.
Aerial view of Resorts World Genting. Image by flickr user Chee Hong.
Currently Resorts World Genting is undergoing a 10-year transformation project (valued at RM10.3B/US$2.5B), in order to bolster the resort’s international profile. A number of world-class entertainment options for visitors are part of the plan, which includes the world’s first Twentieth Century Fox World theme park, the newly opened SkyAvenue shopping mall and, of course, the new cable car system — the Awana Skyway.
In less than four months, one of the world’s steepest funiculars is scheduled to open for passenger service. The system, known as the Schwyz-Stoos Funicular (German: Standseilbahn Schwyz–Stoos), is located in Switzerland and will operate at a maximum gradient of 110%/47.7° during its journey between Schwyz and the ski resort / tourist village of Stoos.
The new 1,740m funicular has a height difference of 743m and was built to replace an older funicular system which has been operational since 1933.
Funicular will have height difference of 743m. Image from srf.ch.
Prior to breaking ground, the planning and implementation of this funicular had to overcome a number of challenges. Designers analyzed fifteen different options before selecting the existing route alignment and technology. At the onset of the project, a 3S gondola was explored but was abandoned as it faced two major problems: 1) an aerial gondola would travel through an active shooting range; and 2) residents felt an emotional attachment to a rail based cable system.
Project proponents also concluded that the modernization of the older funicular system was not possible as this option would cause financial losses to the operator and would have halted transit service for the 150 residents of Stoos. Since locals live in a car-free town where vehicular access is limited, any shutdown would cause a huge inconvenience.
To meet modern regulations, engineers at Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group had to rethink and redesign the funicular to ensure level passenger access. Unlike many standard funiculars where station platforms are designed on a set of stairs with graded vehicle compartments, the Stoos funicular is designed with an inclination adjustment system. This means that the four 34-passenger rotating cabins on each train remain horizontally level throughout the journey.
Funicular provides level boarding thereby allowing easier access for all users. Screenshot from YouTube.
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Construction of the new funicular began in July 2013 but faced several delays resulting from the collapse of a materials cableway and difficulties associated with tunnel drilling. Nevertheless, tracks were finally laid in April 2017 while the system is scheduled to open on December 17, 2017. As seen in the video above, the funicular successfully passed a “tilt form test” in early August.
The new system ensures 100% accessibility for all users and travels at a maximum speed of 10m/s. Project proponents hope that improved system performance and vehicular aesthetics will help boost tourism and enhance transport for both visitors and residents alike.
BBC World Hacks is a weekly program dedicated to exploring innovative ideas that are being implemented to solve modern day challenges. On this week’s broadcast, a BBC reporter flew down to Ecatepec and rode the Mexicable — Mexico’s first Cable Propelled Transit (CPT) system.
The program described the urban gondola line as a “Flying Machine” which has not only made positive impacts on the individual lives of residents but has greatly benefitted the city as a whole.
To listen to the entire 23 minute podcast, click here.
