D.C. and Arlington Explore Connection by Gondola

A feasibility study suggests a gondola system across the Potomac would be cheaper than a new Metro station.

1 minute read

November 14, 2016, 7:00 AM PST

By Elana Eden


A gondola system between Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Virginia would serve at least 6,500 passengers a day, a recent study found.

The proposal for a cable-based system across the Potomac River was spearheaded by the Georgetown BID as a strategy for easing congestion on the Key Bridge. In 2014, it was included in the Georgetown 2028 plan.

A recent study by Georgetown University and the governments of Arlington and the District suggested running the gondola between a new station in D.C. and the Rosslyn Metro station in Arlington. The project would be feasible and comply with federal aviation laws, it said.

Moreover, the cost of construction was projected to be $80 to $90 million—up to $14 million less than that of the NoMa Metro station built in D.C. in 2004, Prerry Stein reports for The Washington Post.

Passengers could expect to board a cabin every 20 seconds to a minute, and cross the river in about four minutes.

Thursday, November 3, 2016 in The Washington Post

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

An Airo train driving towards the camera on a track. There is a forest behind it.

Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet

Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.

September 22, 2026 - Washington State Standard

Four cars of the LAX SkyLink. They are white, and there is no clear front or back. They have black windows.

LAX SkyLink opening delayed again, contractor won’t commit to new deadline

The project was supposed to open its doors to the public in 2023.

3 hours ago - LA Times

A Caltrain train picks up a large crowd of people at a station.

Caltrain may slash over one-third of its stations

If Bay Area voters reject two transit tax measures, Caltrain, BART and AC Transit will see steep service cuts.

4 hours ago - Mercury News

An aerial view of Interstate 77 crossing a body of water.

A 'dangerous' precedent: North Carolina successfully pressures communities into voting for toll roads

Two mayors resigned from the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization after it voted in favor of the toll roads.

5 hours ago - Spectrum Local News

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design