As climate change continues to impact our world, innovative solutions for urban transportation are emerging. One such solution is the increasing use of cable cars in congested cities. Although typically associated with ski resorts, Austrian company Doppelmayr is at the forefront of this trend, crafting cable car systems for urban areas worldwide. This article explores the rise of cable cars in cities, their advantages over traditional modes of transport, and the challenges they face in gaining widespread adoption.
From Ski Resorts to Urban Environments
Doppelmayr, a renowned gondola manufacturer, has extended its expertise to cater to the changing needs of urban mobility. With the demand for cleaner and space-saving public transport options on the rise, Doppelmayr’s cable car systems are now operating in major cities like London, Mexico City, and La Paz. This shift in focus has resulted in urban mobility accounting for 20 percent of the company’s sales, reflecting cities’ endeavors to decarbonize their transportation networks.
The Benefits of Cable Cars
Cable cars offer several advantages that make them an appealing choice for urban transportation. One key advantage is their cost-effectiveness. With a price tag three times lower than traditional tramways, cable cars provide an innovative solution for cities on a budget. Additionally, their installation requires minimal on-site construction, making them quick to deploy and minimally disruptive to existing infrastructure.
While Latin America currently represents Doppelmayr’s largest market for urban mobility, the company is actively seeking to expand into Asia. With over 80 cities worldwide already embracing aerial tramways, the potential for growth in this sector is evident. Notably, Doppelmayr holds the Guinness World Record for the largest public-transit cable-car system, a network of 10 ropeway lines spanning 33 kilometers and connecting Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, to another metropolis, El Alto.
The Paris region is one of Doppelmayr’s latest urban projects, with a 4.5-kilometer ropeway project underway to link two suburbs and provide residents with access to the city’s subway system. This “Cable C1” line, scheduled to open in 2025, offers a travel time of just 18 minutes between Villeneuve-Saint-Georges and Creteil. Laurent Probst, the director-general at Ile-de-France Mobilites, praises cable transport for its cleanliness, quiet operation, and regular service. The lower costs and ability to overcome obstacles such as roads and train tracks make cable cars an ideal solution for traffic-congested regions.
Challenges and Roadblocks
Despite the numerous benefits of cable cars, their adoption in urban environments is not without challenges. One obstacle is the lack of awareness among policymakers and the general public. Cable cars are still primarily associated with ski resorts, leading to a misconception that they are not suitable for urban transport. Additionally, opposition from residents and complex administrative procedures have hindered the development of cable car projects in certain regions. This was evident in Lyon, France, where the city was forced to abandon its cable car project in 2022.
The advent of cable cars as a means of urban transportation presents a game-changing opportunity for cities worldwide. As climate change forces societies to prioritize sustainable solutions, the cost-effectiveness, quick deployment, and minimal environmental impact of cable cars make them an attractive alternative to traditional modes of transport. Nonetheless, raising awareness and overcoming obstacles will be essential in realizing the full potential of cable cars in congested cities. With projects like the one in the Paris region leading the way, it is clear that cable cars can revolutionize urban mobility and shape the future of transportation.
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