Increasing the capacities of cable cars for use in public transport

Abstract

This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of cable cars in public transport within urban areas. The advantages of cable car transport compared to other modes of transport are its quiet operation with an environmentally-acceptable electric drive and the possibility of transporting passengers above the ground, which can provide additional transport dimensions within urban centers. However, cable cars have some disadvantages, especially their smaller capacities in relation to other modes of transport within the urban environment. Today's built cable cars have capacities up to 2,000 persons/h for aerial tramways (or jig-back ropeways) and up to 4,000 persons/h for gondolas. Solutions are introduced in this paper as to how the current cable car technologies can increase the capacities of these devices. This can be achieved by concentrating on the vehicles (cabins) on gondola lines and by using multiple platforms at starting stations and final stations. It also provides a solution for intermediate stations, at which vehicles can be stopped independent of other vehicles on the line.