Cable cars, once synonymous with ski resorts, are now finding a new purpose in congested cities. Austrian company Doppelmayr, a leading manufacturer of gondolas and cable cars, has seen a surge in demand for its urban mobility solutions as more cities look to decarbonize their public transport systems. With the effects of climate change becoming more apparent, the need for sustainable and space-saving transportation options has become paramount. This article explores the growing trend of cable cars in urban areas and their potential to revolutionize city commuting.
Having built its first ski lift in 1937, Doppelmayr has a long-standing reputation in the mountain resort industry. However, the company’s urban business began to thrive around 15 years ago. Today, Doppelmayr’s cable cars can be found gliding over cities like London, Mexico City, and La Paz. In fact, its most significant urban project, a 33-kilometer network of cable car lines connecting La Paz and El Alto in Bolivia, holds the Guinness World Record for the largest public-transit cable car system. This success underscores the growing demand for cable cars as an alternative mode of transportation in congested urban areas.
One of the key reasons behind the popularity of cable cars in cities is their cost-effectiveness compared to traditional tramways. Hanane Bengualou, an urban engineering expert, highlights that cable cars cost about three times less than tramways, with a price tag of under seven million euros per kilometer. Their affordability makes them an attractive option for cities struggling with limited budgets for public transport infrastructure. Furthermore, the installation of cable cars requires minimal on-site work, making them quick to deploy and resulting in minimum disruption to the urban landscape.
Cable cars offer a range of benefits beyond affordability. Laurent Probst, the director-general at Ile-de-France Mobilites, praises the cleanliness, quietness, and regularity of cable transport. With transport accounting for a significant portion of CO2 emissions in many countries, including France, the environmentally friendly nature of cable cars makes them an appealing choice for policymakers. Additionally, cable cars have the unique advantage of being able to cross obstacles such as roads and train tracks, providing commuters with a hassle-free journey devoid of traffic jams.
While cable cars offer numerous advantages, their widespread adoption in urban areas has faced certain challenges. Complex administrative procedures and opposition from residents have hindered their development in some cities. Lyon, France’s third-largest city, had to abandon its cable car project in 2022 due to such obstacles. However, the success stories of cities like La Paz and the recent adoption of cable cars in the Paris region offer hope for the future. Reinhard Fitz, Doppelmayr’s head of international business development, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among policymakers and the public about cable cars as a viable urban transport option.
As cities seek innovative ways to tackle congestion, reduce emissions, and improve public transportation, cable cars are emerging as a promising solution. Doppelmayr’s expertise in the field, coupled with the affordability and efficiency of cable cars, has opened up new opportunities in urban mobility. With more than 80 cities worldwide already embracing aerial tramways, the future looks bright for cable cars as a means of sustainable and convenient transportation in our increasingly congested urban landscapes.
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