Aerial Tramways

General Description:

Aerial Tramways are systems that transport passengers or freight in gondolas suspended from cables along a series of towers.  They are powered by engines or motors at a central location that is not located on the vehicles. They are primarily used for viewing scenic areas that are difficult to visit otherwise.  Other variations of this technology include high gradient transit in the form of specially designed trains or cars that follow a fixed guideway up steep inclines.

Effects of Solution:

¨ Increase Passenger Throughput

¨ Increase Roadway Capacity

¨ Manage System Efficiency

¨ Reduce Local Demand

Aerial Tramways are alternative modes of transportation that do not affect roadway capacity because they are an attraction rather than a solution.

Examples of Implementation:

National Park of American Samoa

Charles Cranfield, Superintendent, National Park of American Samoa

New River Gorge National River, Gauley River

National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River

Peter Hart, Superintendent, New River Gorge National River

Cost/Financial Information:

The cost of constructing an Aerial Tramway depends on factors such as constructability, length of tram, and size/passenger carrying capabilities.  However, this type of solution is considered very expensive.

Additional Resources:

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram in Franconia Notch State Park web page:

http://www.cannonmt.com/summer/SummerPages/tram.html

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