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For the longest time, there’s been no consensus on what to call cable transit technology. With the increased usage of Cable-Propelled Transit (CPT), however, that seems to be changing.

It’s important to note the difficulty of researching any topic that has so many names given to it. That’s why a single, universal term is what’s necessary, hence Cable-Propelled Transit, CPT or simply cable.

I thought it would be fun, however, to take a quick look back at the avalanche of names that have been used (and continue to be used) to describe CPT over last few decades. The list is in no way comprehensive (it couldn’t be) and the terms range from the common to the ludicrous:

Aerial Tram, Aerial Tramway, Aerial Cableway, Aerotram, Airtram, Automated People Mover, Cable Car, Cableway, Gondola, Horizontal Elevator, Passenger Ropeway, People Mover, Reversible, Ropeway, Urban People Mover

My personal favourite is “Horizontal Elevator” which benefits from the distinction of being totally logical and ridiculously hilarious at the same time.

I don’t know about you, but I only know of one situation where horizontal elevation occurs, and it has nothing to do with transit . . . except maybe in this situation: