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 In ancient India and Japan, ropeways were used to cross rivers and were originally made of hemp or rawhide rope.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
Comments
Interesting ideas. I'm
Interesting ideas. I'm surprised I didn't at least consider something like this sooner.