ISN’T USING GONDOLAS AS PUBLIC TRANSIT CRAZY?!

We understand your skepticism—it’s a common first reaction! At SCJ Alliance, we’ve extensively studied Cable Propelled Transit (CPT) and have become industry leaders in identifying where this technology is most effective. While gondolas aren’t the solution for every scenario, they offer incredible potential for addressing unique transit challenges. Our goal is to educate decision-makers and communities about the capabilities of CPT, dispel myths, and provide expert guidance on integrating gondolas into a broader transportation strategy.

IS CABLE PROPELLED TRANSIT (CPT) SAFE?

Safety is always a top priority, and SCJ Alliance ensures the systems we advocate for are among the safest in the world. CPT boasts an impressive safety record, with redundancies and protocols that exceed most transit systems. For instance, no gondola-related fatalities have occurred at U.S. ski areas since the 1970s—a testament to the technology’s reliability. At SCJ, we leverage our expertise to ensure each project meets the highest safety standards.

AREN’T GONDOLAS ONLY USEFUL IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAINS?

Not at all! SCJ Alliance has proven that gondolas are highly effective in both mountainous and urban environments. Think of city traffic as the ultimate “urban mountain”—and CPT offers an innovative solution by bypassing ground-level congestion entirely. We’ve demonstrated this in projects worldwide, including in flat terrains like Parque das Nações gondola in Lisbon, Portugal.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN GONDOLAS MOVE?

At SCJ Alliance, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of CPT technology and it is constantly improving and evolving. Existing systems in Medellin, Colombia and Caracas, Venezuela are designed to carry 3000 pphpd. Depending upon the technology, an aerial CPT system can move up to approximately ~6000-8000 pphpd.

AREN’T CABLE CARS REALLY SLOW?

CPT systems offer significant advantages when factoring in overall travel time. Unlike buses or streetcars, CPT systems bypass traffic entirely and have minimal wait times—sometimes as low as 9 seconds between vehicles. SCJ Alliance ensures that the systems we recommend are designed to minimize delays and maximize efficiency. For example streetcars in Toronto have average speeds of 13km/h. While CPT systems cannot compete with Full ROW subway/LRT speeds, existing urban cable cars in Medellín – for example – have average operating speeds of 16km/h. Newer CPT technology such as 3S/TDG and Aerial Trams are capable of even higher average speeds. Furthermore, the wait times between vehicles can be as low as 9 seconds, essentially eliminating wait times from a commute.

CAN A GONDOLA RUN IN THE WINTER? WHAT ABOUT SNOW AND ICE?

Absolutely! SCJ Alliance has worked with gondola systems designed to operate in some of the world’s harshest climates. Whether dealing with snow, ice, or wind, these systems are engineered to thrive in challenging conditions, making them a reliable option year-round.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A GONDOLA LIFT MALFUNCTIONS MID-RIDE?

With SCJ Alliance’s expertise, you can rest assured that redundancy is built into every system. Modern CPT systems include backup propulsion engines and emergency evacuation procedures, ensuring passenger safety even in the rare event of a malfunction.

WHEN WAS CABLE TRANSIT INVENTED? IF THIS IS SUCH A GREAT IDEA WHY DON’T WE SEE IT IN MORE PLACES?

While CPT technology has been around for nearly a century, it’s only recently gained traction in urban settings. SCJ Alliance has been instrumental in promoting and implementing this innovative transit solution, helping communities understand its potential and overcome misconceptions. We draw on global examples like Medellín, Caracas, and Portland to show how gondolas can transform cities.

Only recently have urban cable cars occurred in the form of aerial systems. Since the first lines (New York, USA; and Medellín, Colombia), the number of urban cable systems has increased rapidly. Around the world, these systems include, but are not limited to:

— Metrocable Linea K, Medellin, Colombia
— Metrocable Linea J, Medellin, Colombia
— Metrocable, Caracas, Venezuela
— Koblenz Rheinseilbahn, Germany
— Complexo do Alemão Teleférico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
— Portland Aerial Tram, Portland, USA
— Roosevelt Island Tram, New York, USA

WHO MAKES GONDOLAS?

SCJ Alliance works closely with leading manufacturers like Doppelmayr Garaventa Group, Leitner, POMA,  and Bartholet all owned by the HTI Group of companies.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL A GONDOLA?

Time is always a factor, and SCJ Alliance excels at guiding communities through efficient planning and installation processes. Smaller systems can be operational in as little as one year, while more complex projects take up to two years.

ARE CPT SYSTEMS EXPENSIVE?

CPT systems are surprisingly cost-effective compared to other transit options. SCJ Alliance provides expert analysis to ensure that each project aligns with the client’s budget while maximizing impact.

MY GRANDMOTHER IS AFRAID OF HEIGHTS! SHE’LL NEVER RIDE A GONDOLA!

This comment is one of our personal favorites. At SCJ Alliance, we prioritize the user experience. Our “grandmother test” ensures that every system is designed to feel safe, comfortable, and accessible for all riders—even those who may initially be hesitant. Kindly refer to our grandmother test.