Thames to Get Cable Car System
Hopeful to open before the 2012 Olympics, Transport for London (TfL) has announced plans for a cable car crossing the Thames.
It will take passengers from the Greenwich peninsula on the south side to the Royal Docks area across the water. The cars will be able to carry up to 2,500 passengers an hour in each direction. The cable will hold the cars 50 meters above the water and it will take 5 minutes to travel the distance. It will connect two areas that will be used as Olympic venues, the O2 arena and the ExCel exhibition centre. The £25 million dollar cost will be privately funded and the TfL is in preliminary talks with companies that would provide operational services and management of the cable car system. The cable cars will accommodate cyclists as well as pedestrians. The city’s mayor, Boris Johnson, said: "A cable car spanning the majestic Thames would not only provide a unique and pioneering addition to London’s skyline, but also offer a serene and joyful journey across the river. "Passengers would be able to drink in the truly spectacular views of the Olympic park and iconic London landmarks whilst shaving valuable minutes from their traveling time. It would also provide a much needed enhancement of cross river options to the east of the city."