A quick look at some of the things that happened this week in the world of urban gondolas, cable cars and cable propelled transit:
- September 15, 2014 marked the opening day for La Paz’s longest urban cable car system, the Yellow Line (La Línea Amarilla). Celebrations were held and passengers packed the system. In fact, in just 2 days of service, the line has already transported 76,800 riders!
- A large-scale urban gondola proposal has emerged from New York City. Dubbed the East River Skyway, the 3 phase project is hoping to connect various waterfront properties throughout the city and improve cross river transit options.
- Sydney’s Business Chamber has proposed a cable car which seeks to improve connectivity within its harbour. The system is envisioned to link Barangaroo and Pyrmont.
- The Aérotram CPT project in Toulouse, France was reportedly cancelled just a few weeks ago. However, reports indicate that not only is the project alive, an extension of the system was proposed which could see it connect to a new stop at Basso-Cambo (terminal station of Metro Line A). This alignment will provide a rapid east-west link between Line A and Line B.
After some delays, the Oued Koriche – Bouzaréah téléphérique (cable car) in Algiers, Algeria has finally opened this week. System statistics: 2.9km; $2.5 billion dinars ($30.9 million USD); 12 minute travel time; 3 stations; 58 cabins (up to 15 passengers per cabin); capacity of 2400 pphpd. Operations: 6am-7pm. Video: click here. Photos: click here.
- Hoping to mimic the successes of Medellin, Ecuador’s capital, Quito, is now embarking on a study to determine the feasibility of implementing cable cars in its own communities. A CPT system may improve transportation options and reduce travel times for up to 109,800 residents.
- While a Hello Kitty themed cable car experience has increased ridership on Taipei, Taiwan’s Maokong Gondola, it wasn’t enough to keep it out of the red. The system stands to lose NT$79 million (US$2.62 million) this year and next.