Aerial trams are an effective, if idiosyncratic, mode of transportation. Reconnecting America's Jeff Wood reflects on how and when to explore this dramatic transit option.
"Aerial Trams, technically known as aerial ropeways, have been around for centuries. In ancient India and Japan, ropeways were used to cross rivers and were originally made of hemp or rawhide rope. Today's ropeways are made from steel cables and towers, but their function is not much different from these original ancient transportation systems."
"Most of the ropeways in the United States are ski lifts; however, three American ropeways are currently being used for urban transport. They are New York City, Portland, Oregon and Telluride, Colorado."
"Aerial trams can be a great addition to an urban transit network if they are able to overcome natural obstacles that might keep a city from connecting its places. As cities grow and are looking for ways to intelligently expand, the aerial tram can be a useful tool for addressing issues of terrain and connectivity"
Thanks to Tim Halbur
FULL STORY: Look! Up in the Sky! Aerial Trams as a Transit Alternative

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont