Scale model of Línea Blanca. Image from miteleferico.bo.
A quick look at some of the things that happened this week in the world of urban gondolas, cable cars and cable propelled transit:
Designs for White Line (Línea Blanca) Unveiled (La Paz, Bolivia)
The 5-station White Line is planned to connect the south and north of La Paz. Not only will the project improve transportation options for locals, 200 trees will be planted along Busch Avenue. Civilized as that sounds, perhaps the most interesting aspect of this project is that Plaza Villarroel Station is an underground terminal! One of the only underground gondola stations in the world, is it taking cues from its subway counterparts?
Intra-Island Cableway Opens (Singapore)
Visitors to Sentosa, one of Singapore’s largest tourist destinations, can now conveniently travel around the island on an aerial cable car. However, this is not to be confused with the Singapore Cable Car, which transports riders from Mount Faber to Sentosa but does not provide transport within the island. Nor are the 2 systems connected. The new 3-station system is 880m and takes passengers on a ride 80m above ground. Many riders have already commended the system for its high quality experience.
Emirates Air Lines Belongs on Tube Map (London, UK)
Does the Emirates Air Lines cable car deserve a place on what some argue is the world’s most prominent and well-recognized transit map? Some think it should be removed but as Citymetric reporter Peter Apps explains, there are many good reasons why it should stay.