Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The Norwalk Gondola

Gondolas aren't just for skiers anymore. Columbia (actually, South America--see Cap'n Transit's comment below), the nation of transportation innovators that brought us bus rapid transit, has also introduced the world to the urban gondola. It's getting a lot of attention recently from transit planners, thanks to an effort called The Gondola Project which has been highlighting its advantages:
  • It's cheap
  • It flies above traffic, buildings, hills and other obstacles
  • It eliminates wait time (there's always a gondola coming by)
So, as a thought experiment, this is my plan for the Norwalk Gondola.

View Norwalk Gondola in a larger map

It would soar over the Norwalk skyline (a surprisingly beautiful vista if you've ever looked out a top-floor window from Norwalk Hospital). It would thread together the train station, SoNo and the aquarium, the West Ave redevelopment area and the Wall St / Pulse Point area.

Stations are envisioned to have boardings on the second floor, with ground-level retail, allowing them to integrate into the urban environment.

Gondolas are said to cost $7-$8 million per mile, so this 1.5 mile line would cost about $10-$12 million...about as cheap as transport comes.
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4 comments:

  1. I have to correct some things that aren't clear in the Planetizen article: Bus Rapid Transit was developed first in Brazil, and the urban gondola was first introduced right here in New York City.

    When they reopen the Roosevelt Island Tramway, come down and try it. You'll find that wait time has hardly been eliminated.

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  2. @Cap'n Transit,

    Thanks for the correction on BRT. However, I have to distinguish between a tram like Roosevelt Island and a gondola like in Medellin. When I speak of gondolas, I mean the smaller cars that hold 6-10 people and come by every 10 seconds or so.

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  3. Thanks, David! Do they really come that frequently in Medellin? Are there more than 10 people at a time who want to ride? Has anyone tried them?

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  4. I'm not sure what the exact frequency is in Medellin, but 10 seconds seems about right from the pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cup-projects/galleries/72157623956124170/#photo_3898011148

    Ridership is 40,000 per day, which (assuming 18 hours of operation) is an astounding 2200 riders/hour. It must be packed full all day.

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