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writing:ropeways [2025/11/13 00:21] – [Types of Ropeway:] JacobCoffinWriteswriting:ropeways [2026/01/29 18:09] (current) – JacobCoffinWrites
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   * Ropeways are a separate layer of the public transit system - similar to trains and subways, they don't operate on the streets so they both free up congestion and can't can't get delayed by traffic. This means that they stick to their schedule better (plus you can always see the next car coming). Reliability is huge in getting people to trust public transit.   * Ropeways are a separate layer of the public transit system - similar to trains and subways, they don't operate on the streets so they both free up congestion and can't can't get delayed by traffic. This means that they stick to their schedule better (plus you can always see the next car coming). Reliability is huge in getting people to trust public transit.
   * They're much cheaper and lower-impact to install compared to a train or tram. Standing up some support towers and running cable over neighborhoods is much easier in terms of approvals and buy-in than bulldozing a swath through them, and it's much faster and cheaper than digging tunnels underground. This means a city can stand up a new public transit option/layer comparatively quickly, and that ropeways are generally more achievable.   * They're much cheaper and lower-impact to install compared to a train or tram. Standing up some support towers and running cable over neighborhoods is much easier in terms of approvals and buy-in than bulldozing a swath through them, and it's much faster and cheaper than digging tunnels underground. This means a city can stand up a new public transit option/layer comparatively quickly, and that ropeways are generally more achievable.
-  * Ropeways can cross rough terrain (trains need special mechanisms to climb steep grades and there are safety concerns there for busses too). If the city is built on a mountainside, or crisscrossed by rivers, the ropeway operates more or less the same regardless of what's below it. The cost to install the system is also similar when crossing rivers or harbours as when crossing land (whereas other options may require the construction of new bridges).+  * Ropeways can cross rough terrain (trains need [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rack_railway|special mechanisms]] to climb steep grades and there are safety concerns there for busses too). If the city is built on a mountainside, or crisscrossed by rivers, the ropeway operates more or less the same regardless of what's below it. The cost to install the system is also similar when crossing rivers or harbours as when crossing land (whereas other options may require the construction of new bridges).
   * Because the propulsion system is external, set up at one of the terminals, it can be powered directly off the grid, so it is easier to adapt to green energy and doesn't need small, dense, high-tech batteries like you'd use onboard an electric vehicle.    * Because the propulsion system is external, set up at one of the terminals, it can be powered directly off the grid, so it is easier to adapt to green energy and doesn't need small, dense, high-tech batteries like you'd use onboard an electric vehicle. 
  
 Disadvantages: Disadvantages:
   * Considerably lower throughput than many less exciting alternatives. When it comes to the number of people moved, trains are basically impossible to beat.    * Considerably lower throughput than many less exciting alternatives. When it comes to the number of people moved, trains are basically impossible to beat. 
-  * Maintenance can be a considerable requirement for these systems, and failures can be quite serious. +  * Maintenance can be a considerable requirement for these systems, and failures can be quite serious. The costs to operate a ropeway may surpass trains etc given enough time. 
-  * They are sometimes considered more of a tourist benefit rather than a practical aspect of a public transit network.+  * They are sometimes considered more of a tourist benefit rather than a practical aspect of a public transit network. Consider the criteria discussed in this article on [[https://humantransit.org/2011/12/outtake-on-endearing-but-useless-transit.html|endearing but useless public transit]].
  
 === Ropeways in rural areas === === Ropeways in rural areas ===
  
-Ropeways already operate in rural areas around the world, usually providing access to communities which would otherwise be isolated by rough terrain. In a more solarpunk future, where an extensive network of public transit options interconnects even small villages, ropeways could make sense in situations where extending a full train line to service a community is too costly, or where terrain or the degradation of existing roads makes bus service impractical. Ropeways can climb mountains and cross rivers, lakes, wetlands, and even forests (in some configurations, they may still need access trails for maintenance and rescue) with a minimal impact on the underlying habitats. They also move very quietly as the drive is at one end of the line, and is likely running on an electric motor.+Ropeways already operate in rural areas around the world, usually providing access to communities which would otherwise be isolated by rough terrain. In a more solarpunk future, where an extensive network of public transit options interconnects even small villages, ropeways could make sense in situations where extending a full train line to service a community is too costly, or where terrain or the [[exurbs_in_the_solarpunk_transition|degradation of existing roads]] makes bus service impractical. Ropeways can climb mountains and cross rivers, lakes, wetlands, and even forests with a comparatively minimal impact on the underlying habitats (though they still need a clear space to operate and access trails for maintenance and rescue). They also move very quietly as the drive is at one end of the line, and is likely running on an electric motor.