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1St edition2013

Cable Car Conf ide nt ial

The essenTial guide ToCable Cars, urban gondolas

& Cable ProPelled TransiT

Sam

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Creative Urban Projects

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de about thiS Guide

Cable Propelled Transit (CPT), once relegated almost exclusively to alpine resorts and amusement parks, is now playing a much greater role in providing commuter and tourist services in urban areas.

as the worlds human population urbanizes, the need to strengthen transportation networks intensifies. Yet, while cities across the globe search for innovative ideas to enhance and complement their existing transit lines, objective and accurate analyses of CPT has unfortunately been subject to much misinformation and misunderstanding.

as a direct response to this dilemma, this guide has been crafted to provide readers with a comprehensive and non-technical understanding of cable transit technology.

using this guide, individuals from all backgrounds can learn what CPT is, how it can be implemented and where it is currently operating around the globe. This guide not only explains what is possible with CPT technology but also addresses what limitations it faces.

in our daily practice, we think of transit technologies as we think of different food groups. none are good or bad; some are simply better than others in a given place, time or situation. That may sound far-fetched, but its apt. To us, cable transit is simply one out of many food groups (i.e. buses, subways, light rail, cars, bicycles) which contribute to a healthy and balanced menu of transportation options.

The work presented here is guaranteed to change over time. That tends to happen in an industry as dynamic and growing as cable transit is. new ideas are being generated constantly and the information presented can often be contradictory. Opinions, worldviews and languages often conflict with one another and no ones really sure whats going to happen but everyones got an idea about what should happen.

This document, then, is certain to be amended, changed, and altered as new information is gathered and questions are answered in future editions. nevertheless, what you have in your hands (or on your screen) right now is the most robust and useful analysis of Cable Propelled Transit solutions in the world today.

how to read this GuideWhile we would be delighted if you read this document cover to cover, we recognize thats probably not going to happen.

This guide has therefore been designed primarily as a reference tool.

so take a look at the table of contents and feel free to read the sections in any order you wish.

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detable of ContentS1.0 IntroductIon 1

1.1 What is CPT? ..................................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 nomenclature .................................................................................................................................. 3

1.3 history ................................................................................................................................................ 5

1.4 growth .............................................................................................................................................. 7

1.5 Cable Manufacturers ..................................................................................................................... 8

2.0 cPt technology 102.1 Cable Components .......................................................................................................................11

2.2 grips ................................................................................................................................................ 13

2.3 Monocable detachable gondola (Mdg) ................................................................................ 15

2.4 bicable detachable gondola (bdg) ......................................................................................... 16

2.5 Tricable detachable gondola (Tdg/3s) ....................................................................................17

2.6 Funitel .............................................................................................................................................. 18

2.7 aerial Tram ...................................................................................................................................... 19

2.8 Pulsed gondola ............................................................................................................................. 20

2.9 summary ........................................................................................................................................ 21

3.0 cPt Features 233.1 environment.................................................................................................................................... 24

3.2 speed .............................................................................................................................................. 26

3.3 safety .............................................................................................................................................. 27

3.4 stations ............................................................................................................................................ 32

3.5 Cornering ........................................................................................................................................ 34

3.6 Towers .............................................................................................................................................. 36

3.7 Cabins ............................................................................................................................................ 39

3.8 expansion........................................................................................................................................ 43

3.9 service Quality ............................................................................................................................... 45

3.10 implementation Costs ................................................................................................................... 47

3.11 operations & Maintenance ......................................................................................................... 48

3.12 limitations ....................................................................................................................................... 51

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de4.0 cPt & the urban landscaPe 53

4.1 impacts of CPT on urban environment ..................................................................................... 54

4.2 urban implementation strategies ............................................................................................... 56

4.3 rivers & Channels .......................................................................................................................... 57

4.4 urban Peaks ................................................................................................................................... 58

4.5 Transit extension ............................................................................................................................. 59

4.6 airport Connector ......................................................................................................................... 60

4.7 City Circulator ................................................................................................................................ 61

4.8 best Practices: design & implementation .................................................................................. 63

4.9 best Practices: o&M & service .................................................................................................... 66

5.0 system ProFIles 705.1 Worldwide CPT ............................................................................................................................... 71

5.2 Medellin line K ............................................................................................................................... 72

5.3 Medellin line J ................................................................................................................................74

5.4 Caracas Metrocable .................................................................................................................... 76

5.5 Teleferico do alemao ................................................................................................................... 78

5.6 roosevelt island Tram .................................................................................................................... 80

5.7 Constantine Telecabine ............................................................................................................... 82

5.8 Tlemcen Telecabine ...................................................................................................................... 84

5.9 skikda Telecabine ......................................................................................................................... 86

5.10 Portland aerial Tram ...................................................................................................................... 88

5.11 Medellin line l - Cable arvi ......................................................................................................... 90

5.12 emirates air line ............................................................................................................................. 92

5.13 Koblenz rheinseilbahn .................................................................................................................. 94

5.14 Teleferico Warairarepano ............................................................................................................ 96

5.15 ngong Ping 360 ............................................................................................................................. 98

5.16 singapore Cable Car.................................................................................................................. 100

5.17 Funivia del renon ....................................................................................................................... 102

5.18 Planned systems .......................................................................................................................... 105

5.19 system stats .................................................................................................................................. 107

6.0 conclusIon 1096.1 Final Thoughts................................................................................................................................110

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so youre interested in cable? Well then youve come to the right place. Cable Car Confidential is designed to be the worlds most comprehensive, easy-to-understand and useful resource on this emerging public transit technology.

it will provide readers with knowledge about an often misunderstood transport typology and educate them on how to best implement this technology in an urban environment.

This 2013 edition is the first of what will be a yearly publication which monitors, tracks and analyzes Cable Propelled Transit systems from around the world.

1.0 inTroduCTion

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1.1 WhaT is CPT?

Cable Propelled Transit (CPT) is a transportation technology that moves people in motor-less, engine-less vehicles that are propelled by a steel cable. The two main CPT configurations include top-Supported systems (vehicles/cabins supported from above) and bottom-Supported systems (cabins supported from below via tracks). while both Cpt types are used in urban settings, this document will focus only on top-Supported systems.

in total, there are six major top-supported cable technologies that are relevant for our purposes here. its not important to remember what each one does right now but it is important to remember that each offers its own unique cost-performance package with varying speeds, capacities, and pricing.

Cable ProPelled

TransiT

Mdg bdg Tdg/3s FuniTel aerial TraM Pulsed gondola

CABLE LINERSCABLE CARSFuNICuLARSMINI-MEtRoS

INCLINEd ELEvAtoRS

ToP-sUPPorTed

Bottom-Supported

Cable propelled transit (Cpt) is a transportation technology that moves people in motor-less, engine-less vehicles that are propelled by a steel cable.

introduction Creative urban projects inc.

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defield note 1:Cable aS a ComplementarY teChnoloGY

one of the most common mistakes we see people make with alternative transportation technologies (gondolas and cable cars included) is to pitch it as a cure-all to the ills of public transit dont do that.

For a hundred years transportation planners have heard how bullet trains, moving sidewalks, monorails, maglevs and PrT (personal rapid transit) systems were going to singlehandedly revolutionize our cities.

Those revolutions, however, failed to materialize because theres no single, silver bullet solution to any given problem. as the saying goes, theres more than one way to skin a cat. same goes for public transportation.

Planners, policy-makers, financiers and engineers are a skeptical group of individuals. and that skepticism will quickly turn to cynicism if you walk into a room and start proclaiming cable cars as the singular solution to every one of their transport problems.

When public transportation works best, its because its multi-modal. That is, it leverages the strengths of a variety of transport modes to create a dense, useful and viable network. Your car, your bike, your feet and your national airline all serve a separate purpose.

if you talk about dozens of kilometers of gondolas zipping across your city, people are likely to dismiss you as a dreamer and a utopian. People dont believe in cure-alls for a simple reason: Cure-alls dont exist.

Instead, find the two or three places in your city where you can use a cable car to fill an existing gap and complement the existing transportation network. demonstrate that cable cars are nothing more than one among many tools in the transport planners toolbox.

Do that, and youll find your audience to be far more open-minded.

KeY leSSon:if you want to be taken seriously by people, you must position cable cars not as a cure-all but as one among many complementary technologies and tools.

people dont belieVe in Cure-allS for a Simple reaSon: Cure-allS dont eXiSt.

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You now know that cable transit isnt a singular technology but a family of several varying technologies, each with their own costs and benefits.

But what exactly are those costs and benefits? What are the trade-offs involved? how can you make a rational choice about what system is most useful to you?

The next section deals with all that and more.

2.0 CPT TeChnOlOgY

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technology: Monocable detachable gondolas (Mdg) are the most basic and common CPT systems used for urban transit installations. This technology utilizes a single cable which provides both propulsion and support. since the cable line circulates continuously around two end terminals, Mdgs are classed as continuously circulating systems. an Mdgs detachable grip enables cabins to detach from the propulsion cable upon entering a station and reattaching when exiting. Mdg cabins typically seat 8 passengers but can have capacities ranging anywhere from 4-15 riders. They are increasingly popular forms of public transportation due to their high reliability, modest capacities, relative low cost and quick implementation times.

1 cable for propulsion and

support

example:teleferico de Gaia

Gaia

technical Stats

application: Mdg systems are well-suited and easily adapted to the urban environment whether its built on challenging topography or flat land. In large cities, they typically complement rapid transit trunk lines by functioning as feeder systems. however, in smaller cities with lower transport demands, they can operate as a primary transportation line.

Mdg systems are also the most common tourist-oriented gondola systems found in cities.

# of Cables: 1

Grip: detachable

max Speed: ~22 kph

Cabin: up to 15

max wind Speed: 70 kph

relative Cost: low

max Capacity: up to 4000 persons per hour per direction (pphpd)

$

detached in the station

cabins slow dramatically, run on track

cabins slow dramatically, run on track

detached in the station

detached in the station

cabins slow dramatically, run on track

cabins slow dramatically, run on track

detached in the station

detached in the station

cabins slow dramatically, run on track

cabins slow dramatically, run on track

detached in the station

detached in the station

cabins slow dramatically, run on track

cabins slow dramatically, run on track

detached in the station

cabins come to a full stop in station

cabins come to a full stop in station

cabins come to a full stop in station

cabins come to a full stop in station

cabins come to a full stop in station

cabins come to a full stop in station

attached to 1 cable for both support and propulstion

two cabins permanently attached to the propulsion cable, and 1 or 2 cables for support

attached to 1 propulsion cable, supported by 1 stationary cable

attached to single (double looped) propulsion cable

attached to 1 propulsion cable, supported by 2 stationary cables

dual haul aerial trams have a separate loop for each attached cabin so they can operate independently

groups of cabins permanently attached to (1 or 2) cables for support and propulsion, located at equal intervals

stationary support cables

stationary support cables

stationary support cables

stationary support cables

1.1 MonodeTaChable gondola

CPT Technology Creative urban projects inc.

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The strengths and weaknesses of Cable Propelled Transit are numerous. learning what the benefits and the costs associated with the technology will allow you to speak intelligently with stakeholders, planners and politicians.

This section will discuss how cable car technologies can contribute to a safe, user-friendly and efficient transport network while discussing some of the drawbacks associated with the technology.

3.0 CPT FeaTures

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Comfort CPT offers various sized cabins with both sitting and standing areas. The stations and cabins can be equipped with air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter. The windows can be tinted to block bright sunlight, while also allowing for a view of the surrounding area. since cabins are fully enclosed, riders are protected from the elements. For many systems, air vents in cabins provide natural ventilation which is sufficient in ensuring optimal passenger comfort.

noisegondolas generate minimal noise pollution because they operate with no on-board motor. gondola operations are very quiet and the noise typically originates from terminal stations and towers (when cabins pass-by). sound mitigation techniques can decrease noise coming from stations to minimize disturbance to its surroundings.

wait times Wait times are subject to factors such as cabin frequency, cabin size, line speeds and passenger volumes. since cabins circulate continuously between two end terminals, wait times to board a gondola are typically less than one minute. This means that unlike buses and trains, schedules are not required.

reliability reliability on many urban CPT systems is remarkably high ranging from 99.3% to 99.9%. To ensure high levels of service, system operators adhere to strict preventative maintenance guidelines.

Poor weather conditions (i.e. mainly high wind speeds, and ice and thunderstorms to a lesser degree) are generally the reasons behind service interruptions. however, high technological performance standards enable certain CPT systems (i.e. Tdg/3s) to operate at wind speeds greater than 100 kph.

...cabins can be equipped with air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter.

3.9 ServICe QualITY

CPT Features Creative urban projects inc.

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similar to other types of transportation infrastructure, constructing CPT systems can have profound impacts on the local and surrounding urban environment. balancing sound transport improvements while doing no harm to the surrounding urban fabric should be the goal of all urban cable systems.

This section is broken down into three main subject areas:

1. impacts of CPT on the urban environment2. urban implementation strategies 3. best Practices

4.0 CPT & The urban landsCaPe

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Rapid Transit Extension Line

Rapid Transit Extension Line

extending urban rail lines is often time-consuming and costly. in many cases, they are unable to navigate steep and/or challenging topography. as an alternative to expensive rail or road civil works, cities can simply extend the reach of their rapid transit network via a cost-effective and time-conscious CPT installation.

once built and integrated into an urban mass transit system, CPT lines offer an innovative transport solution that can enhance connectivity with new and/or existing communities, effectively solving connectivity and last-mile problems.

in some cities, new cable lines have shown that they can spur new development along the transit corridor and/or revitalize neighborhoods.

CPT & the urban landscape Creative urban projects inc.

4.5 TransiT exTension

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dozens of cable transit systems are now operating around the world.

This section will provide an analysis of some of the most important cable systems in operations today and what we can learn from them.

Please note, however, that this is not an exhaustive list of all urban cable car systems. More system profiles will be added and existing profiles will be updated in future editions.

5.0 SYSTeM PrOfIleS

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aboutafter the successful implementation of line K, the city quickly began construction of Medellins second cable lift - line J. This 2.6km line replaced the untimely and unreliable private bus system and was built as part of a larger social development program.

by providing a quick and direct connection to the Metro network, its primary purpose was to improve living standards in the citys most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. since its opening, this cable lift effectively integrated several terrain-constrained communities back into the city proper.

This CPT line operates in the san Javier district, which include the rapidly expanding and growing barrio neighbourhoods of Vallejuelos and la aurora.

San Javier

920 m

1,045

m 635

mJuan XXIII

Valejuello

La Aurora

J

B

Metro Medelln

* Catchment for visualization purposes only.

N

technology: Mdg

length: 2.6 km

Year: 2008

Stations: 4

max Speed: 18 kph

avg Speed: 16 kph

Cabin Capacity: 10

Cabins in operation: 119

trip time: 10 minutes

annual ridership: 5,000,000

System Capacity: 3,000 pphpd

System Cost: $50,000,000 (usd)

Cost per Km: $19,200,000 (usd)

fare Cost: ~$1.00 (usd)

$ $ $

$$

$

5.3 Medellin line J

System Profiles Creative urban projects inc.

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de want more?,

if youre ready to move forward with a ropeway project, maybe we should talk.

CuP and our network of ropeway technicians and engineers can provide you with all the expertise you need to realize an urban or tourist-oriented ropeway of your own.

our services include (but are certainly not limited to):

Feasibility & business Case studies Technical & engineering studies Technical drawings System Commissioning & Certification operations Planning Project Management risk assessments implementation Planning environmental analysis norms Identification staff Training spare Parts assessment energy requirements Policy, Permitting & Concessioning Procurement services & Tendering ropeway engineering and design Presentation support speaking engagements Workshops & Training Community development & engagement Conceptual design studies system Proposals Cost estimations Political liaison services Project benchmarking Media relations operations & Maintenance Planning industry liaison services Policy analysis document Writing and design static and structural Calculations Financing support

Find us online at www.gondolaproject.com or visit our new ropeway services page, now testing in beta mode at www.cable-car.net.

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de about Cup

Creative urban Projects inc. (CuP or CuP Projects) is a small planning, research and design studio located in downtown Toronto, Canada and central switzerland.

CuP was born out of the bizarre niche understanding and interest in the application of ski-lift style gondola technology to problems of mass public transit.

as one of the few urban planners in the world who specialized on the topic, CuP Founder steven dale worked as a freelance planning consultant, advisor and researcher to educate the urban planning community about the merits and complexities of this little understood technology.

after a couple of years working researching the technology, building a client base and learning from his experience working with alternative urban concepts and ideas, steven founded a new urban planning shop he called Creative urban Projects.

inspired partly by his upbringing in the arts, steven intended the firm to be a conduit for the city building industries to understand, popularize, adapt and extrapolate those concepts, practices and ideas that sometimes land on the fringes of orthodox urban planning practice through no fault of their own.

since then, CuPs business, staff and network of associates has expanded rapidly to several continents and areas of practice.

Cable transit still remains the core of the business. To grow that part of the business, CuP has forged a relationship with ropeway veteran, Tino imhuser, that now allows the company to offer a full-slate of ropeway services from conception, planning, engineering, installation and operations.

This growth has also allowed CuP to move into other areas of research and expertise. CuP and its network of associates offers a wide slate of professional planning and design services that blend rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis, high-quality professionalism, and a creative method unique in understanding the complexities of the urban form.

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de imaGe CreditS

CoverPhoto by Thomas Krummenacher. all rights reserved.

1.0 introductionPhoto by CuP. all rights reserved.

2.0 technologyPhoto by CuP. all rights reserved.

3.0 Cpt featuresPhoto by aboutmovies. used under Creative Commons

attribution 3.0 unported license from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portland_Tram_support_with_car.JPg.

3.9 Service QualityPhoto by CuP. all rights reserved.

4.0 Cpt & the urban landscapePhoto by Flickr user simononly. used under Creative Commons

attribution 2.0 generic license from http://www.flickr.com/photos/simononly/7859365682/.

4.5 rapid transit extension Photo by Flickr user sebstian Freire. used under Creative

Commons attribution-sharealike 2.0 generic license from http://www.flickr.com/photos/doisbicudos/7370848130/.

5.0 System Profiles Photo by Thomas Krummenacher. all rights reserved.

5.3 medellin line JPhoto by CuP. all rights reserved.

Creative Urban Projects

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