Awesome Aerial Tramways of the World
by R J Evans on 15/02/09 at 5:39 am
Take a look at some of the most awesome aerial tramways the world has to offer. From the tallest and the lowest to the longest and fastest, if you are afraid of heights, don’t look down.
The Highest
Let’s start with the highest. To do that we must go to Venezuela and the Cableway of Merida. This is a system of four aerial tramways that connect the city of Merida with Tip Mirror. The tramway itself goes from 1640 meters to 4765 meters and that makes it both the highest and longest tourist aerial tramway in the world. The views from the cabins are almost like being in a plane.
Strange how most people do not mind being enclosed in what, according to physics, is not much more than a navigated catapult – that is a passenger plane. However, a good percentage of those who will blithely escape to the sun in a 747 will not step on to an aerial tramway, suspended at most a few hundred meters above the ground, for fear of their lives. However, even though aviation is much safer than many other forms of transport, being a passenger in an aerial tramway is, in turn, safer than being taking a flight in a plane.
How Low Can It Go?
The lowest, on the other hand, is the Masada system in Israel. The station at the top is a mere thirty three meters above sea level. It consists of a single support pillar and two cabins. Its length of nine hundred meters seems and elevatory change of two hundred and ninety meters is enough to put many off. However, the journey by foot is daunting and dangerous and what lies at the top is well worth the ‘risk’ of taking the aerial tramway. In AD 72 it was the scene of a siege – almost one thousand Jews rebelled against the might of Rome. When the siege was finally broken its Jewish inhabitants committed suicide rather than give themselves up. As suicide is frowned upon in Judaism, lots were drawn and then, turn by dreadful turn, killed each other.
Tallest Support Pillar
Many British people reading this may wonder why I am referring to aerial lifts instead of cable cars. This is in deference to American readers who associate the latter with the land based systems found in cities such as San Francisco. However, many travelers, especially those who favor skiing, also know the French and German words, which are téléphérique and Seilbahn. Of course, whatever you call the system, the pillars which support them are vital. The tallest support pillar can be found scaling the Kitzsteinhorn in Austria. Built in 1966 it towers an incredible one hundred and thirteen (point six) meters high, although it was originally ten meters smaller (having been extended twice). The concrete block on which it stands has sides of seventeen meters in length.
Aerial Tramway as Mass Transit
Although the numbers of people who use aerial tramways as tourists are vast, the record for the amount of people to use a system must involve it being part of a mass transit system. One would normally associate mass transit with speed rather than the slow grace of the aerial tramway. However, spanning the East River in New York City, the Roosevelt Island Tramway connects the latter with Manhattan. It began service in 1976 and has since then carried almost thirty million people. Until recently with the introduction of the Portland system it was the only mass transit aerial tramway in the USA. And yes, you did see it in the Spider-man film.
Longest
If you dislike the idea of travelling in an aerial tramway, then it may well be a good idea to avoid the Sandia Peak in New Mexico, USA. It is the longest passenger aerial tramway in the world. It has an incredible span of 4,467 meters and so is not for anyone who may feel airsick after a short amount of time. Starting out at the edge of Albuquerque it reaches the crest of the Sandia Mountains fifteen minutes later.
Those who operate the tramway call the journeys ‘flights’ and four each hour leave the base and the station at the top. It is a double reversible – which means that as one tram is going up another is coming down.
Double-decker experience
If you want a double-decker experience, then London is not the only place where they are famous. The third largest mountain in Japan, Mount Hotaka, has this system. The Shinhotoaka Ropeway Number Two allows spectacular views of the mountain. With the double-decker system a massive ninety people can take this aerial tramway trip of approximately seven minutes.
For many, of course, this might be six minutes and fifty nine seconds too long as it rises eight hundred and forty meters in that space of time and the span is 2.6 kilometers. However, you will get views of Mount Hotaka that are second to none – and surely worth a few minutes of trembling knees and shaky stomachs?
Atop the Table
One of the oldest aerial transport systems can be found in South Africa and perhaps the oldest familial connection. The Table Mountain system opened in 1929 with a single cable system that carried twenty five passengers and was sold in 1993 by the son of one of the founders. Now, one of the problems with a single cable system is the wind. The cars are quite liable to sway in a slight wind making the journey something akin to being riding a very slow, long wave. Fortunately this system now runs on two cables which make it very much more stable and it is also now capable of carrying sixty five people. This upgrade happened in 1997 and much fewer people are now a green hue when alighting at the mountain top.
The Fastest
Currently the world’s fastest aerial tramway is the Genting Skyway in Malaysia. A famous mountain resort, it is also South East Asia’s longest system. It is a hugely popular tourist destination and a slightly strange on at that. As well as being the home of an ancient rainforest which has a unique ecosystem, Genting is also where Malaysians can find their only legal land-based casino. So, no doubt, there is an odd mix of tourist visiting this place and riding this system! I have found it difficult to find information on the actual speed of this system, even though it is regularly boasted as the fastest – so any help – please put a comment in the box below!
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71 Comments
Patrick Bernauw
Feb 15th, 2009
Awsome indeed!
Sotiris
Feb 15th, 2009
This article isn’t for me! I am scared of heights
nutuba
Feb 15th, 2009
You write the most beautiful and informative articles! This is great. Nicely done!
Unofre Pili
Feb 15th, 2009
A nice work. Me too is afraid of heights.
nobert soloria bermosa
Feb 15th, 2009
awesome
MJPatrick
Feb 15th, 2009
I recall riding one in Hong Kong, I had to closed my eyes! Great article!
Glynis Smy
Feb 15th, 2009
Pass the bucket!! Great article, it made me dizzy!
CutestPrincess
Feb 15th, 2009
awesome work too, i loved all of the photos…
Christine Ramsay
Feb 15th, 2009
I feel dizzy just looking at the pictures. It is a wonderful article but you would never get me in one of those.
Christine
JK Kristie
Feb 15th, 2009
Loved this article cause I love heights. Can’t wait to try ‘em all. Wheeeeeeeeeee!!! LOL
Juancav
Feb 15th, 2009
Trams that seem impressive aircraft bound for cable.good work.
stephencardiff
Feb 15th, 2009
I love heights but i wouldn’t feel safe dangling from a cable car I would rather walk or parachute down….
Liane Schmidt
Feb 15th, 2009
So very cool!
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Matt John
Feb 15th, 2009
Cool…
Maria Blazz
Feb 15th, 2009
Great research and selection as usual, some of them must be in the Guinness Book of Records.
B Nelson
Feb 15th, 2009
I really dont mind heights, and have been on several trams in my life, all are spectacular to experience. Great link RJ!
Mark Gordon Brown
Feb 15th, 2009
I do have a fear of heights but was looking forward to a trip on the Banff Tramway, until we saw the price of the tickets, which was (I think) $40 a person. For four of us there was no way we were going to pay that much on a cloudy day as it were.
lanne
Feb 15th, 2009
Great piece. These pictures make my stomach feel ill just looking at them. I am so afraid of heights that I wouldn`t even make a good tall person.
Derek Frazier
Feb 16th, 2009
I’ve been on the Merida cablecar, and it actually goes to a peak called Pico Boliar. It’s an incredible experience.
R00B0y
Feb 16th, 2009
You missed one and a pretty amazing one indeed
http://ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/p2pg/details/
Rask Balavoine
Feb 16th, 2009
I take your point about being afraid of these things but not of flying!
I went on the one up Table Mountain in 1970. The mist came down suddenly and all that blind swaying was not for me.
Great article.
Joe Dorish
Feb 16th, 2009
Been on the Sandia one and it was great!
Chris Stonecipher
Feb 16th, 2009
I would love to try the cable lift cars out! Looks like a fun way to travel.
darreldoomvomit
Feb 16th, 2009
the whistler/blackcomb peak to peak is pretty wool. it has the longest unsuported length, it is two support towers with 3 km. between them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_2_Peak_Gondola
C Jordan
Feb 16th, 2009
This made for an interesting read with some great piturs. Well done RJ
Ken J
Feb 16th, 2009
I grew up in Albuquerque and one of the problems people have from riding the Sandia Tram is altitude sickness. People (including my ex-wife) have passed out upon reaching the peak, and they keep an oxygen mask on hand for when this happens.
tom shubnell
Feb 16th, 2009
according to
http://www.arup.com.my/common/GentingSkywayandStations.PDF
The Genting speed is 6 metres per second
Melody Arcamo Lagrimas
Feb 16th, 2009
Another very interesting and informative post, thanks, RJ.
Stan Sanders
Feb 16th, 2009
Wow, More things to ass to my “bucket” list. Awsome
Tyler
Feb 17th, 2009
Palm Springs has a prety amazing tram
http://www.pstramway.com/index.asp
Michele Cameron Drew
Feb 17th, 2009
I’ve seen a few trams in my life, but never so elaborate. I hate the feeling of hanging from a cable like that. We have a new one here in the fair city of roses. I’ve yet to venture. Very nicely done, RJ, well researched and written.
-M
Sam H Tulip
Feb 17th, 2009
Love this – as a transport enthusiast and writer, learning about these unique systems is very interesting. Apart from a couple of short pleasure rides I’ve never experienced this type of transit so this gives an idea of what they’re all about. I must get out more!
BC Doan
Feb 17th, 2009
I enjoy this exciting journey through a wonderful article. Very informative and well done!
maranatha
Feb 17th, 2009
I always considered these a tourist attraction, until we visited Juneau, Alaska, where a cable car is the preferred method of reaching the mounain top from the port. Awesome photos!
Radhika
Feb 17th, 2009
Simply Awesome
Shane
Feb 17th, 2009
How about this one on one of the local ski hills in Vancouver (Grouse Mountain):
Snowy:
http://i.pbase.com/o4/52/655152/1/58374421.2004_1205_145640AASmall.JPG
City below:
http://thedestinationcenter.com/images/tourimages/40026200_1205370832.jpg
Lauren Axelrod
Feb 17th, 2009
These are amazing. I would love to go on all of these, especially the one in Hotaka.
Kheng
Feb 17th, 2009
I like these rides but am always worried when I get into the trams!
I have taken a ride in the cable car from the Highland to Lowland park in Ocean Park, Hong Kong. It’s a lovely ride of almost 10 mins though my heart was in my mouth most of the time!
Alan
Feb 17th, 2009
This is a freakin’ awesome post!
Seamoutie
Feb 18th, 2009
FYI….6 metres.sec equals 21.6 kmh or 13.04 mph. That is pretty fair clip for something balancing on a wire!
ur guide
Feb 18th, 2009
loved it.
Betty Carew
Feb 18th, 2009
Great article but looks scary . I was on one in Banff, Alberta I don’t know what it was like I kept my eyes shut lol
hfj
Feb 18th, 2009
Great picture and good information. Well done
Sandra Tapia
Feb 18th, 2009
Outstanding layout, I love the photography. Great article!
cantonadinho
Feb 18th, 2009
great
Rudy A Davidson
Feb 18th, 2009
I’m someone that is both afraid of heights and loves facing his fears. Which means I love getting the living daylights scared out of me, so long as I know it’s not actually dangerous. If I ever travel the world, I think I’ll be printing off a copy of this article
valli
Feb 18th, 2009
Awesome trip.
Uncle_Spam
Feb 18th, 2009
Actually the walk up Masada is not as daunting and dangerous as indicated. It’s merely a short hike. However, you might run into trouble once you forget your water. But that\’s another story.
Lena Brown
Feb 19th, 2009
Great article! I love heights; bit of a daredevil if you will! My article on suspension bridges pales in comparision to this one! Great work as usual, keep them coming…
fossa
Feb 19th, 2009
Very fun to read I like trams but have not been on most of these.
Johnson
Feb 19th, 2009
Ok i guess
paqui
Feb 19th, 2009
ohhh, wonderful views!!
Christer
Feb 19th, 2009
I’m work in one of these “kabinbanan” in Åre Sweden, a normal day at work i do 40000 altitude meters. Kabinbanan is famous for extremely hard weather with hard winds and lot of icing, going down when the wind is 37 m/s is interesting.
Joni Keith
Feb 19th, 2009
What a fantastic and fun article. I think the one in Malaysia would be helpful in getting over any gambling loss while taking in the scenery of the rain forest. I think that would be the one I’d choose. Unfortunately, the only tram I’ve ever been on is the one at Disney World. I really enjoyed your post.
Chipko
Feb 19th, 2009
UOU!!! Amazing!! I want try all of this Aerial tramways!! I love heigths,
John M. Soulliere
Feb 19th, 2009
You forgot the beautiful Palm Springs Aeriel Tramway with its revolving gondola! What an awesome ride that is.
javi
Feb 19th, 2009
tampoco es para tanto solo tienes que rezar q no haga viento
James DeVere
Feb 19th, 2009
Great article with pictures to match. Thanks, RJ . j
Jerome West
Feb 19th, 2009
Don’t forget that the Table Mountain cable cars rotate while moving up and down the mountain given the passengers wonderful views of Cape Town. I heard a story that soon after the new cars were installed they had to stop the rotating because passengers were getting motion sickness. It took a passenger who was an engineer to finally figure it out that the rotation of the cars was anti-clockwise and in the southern hemisphere the coriolis force rotates clockwise. Problem solved rotation of the cars back this time the right way.
denus
Feb 20th, 2009
they look high :S
SexyHotBomb
Feb 20th, 2009
woow nice ^^
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SexyHotBomb
Feb 20th, 2009
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Chipako
Feb 20th, 2009
really Awesome
Kumoridageki
Feb 20th, 2009
Well done, These pictures make me remember being on one of these kind of things.
Cardinalsfan
Feb 21st, 2009
The pictures enhance the already great quality of the article. Very informative.
Excommunicada Illustrada
Feb 21st, 2009
I wanted to experience riding that vehicle. Nice view you’ve got when you are riding on it.
6 metres per second
Feb 21st, 2009
so if the Genting Skyway in Malaysia travels 6 metres per second, that’s 21.6 KPH… aka, walking speed
eddiego65
Feb 23rd, 2009
Awesome. I would love to have a chance to ride on all these, since I am not afraid of heights.
Diogo Novaes
Mar 1st, 2009
Great article. Well written and interesting.
It’s not the highest, fastest or anything, but it’s worth mentioning the Sugar Loaf cable car, one of the main sightseeing attractions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarloaf_Mountain,_Brazil
Bob Graton
Oct 29th, 2009
Vous Etent Toutes Des Teteux
Bob Graton
Oct 29th, 2009
Eille pkahee vou parler toute anglais ?
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