Mr. Strater, why did you develop a guide for urban cable cars?

Ingo Strater: There are many municipalities in Germany interested in this topic—some are planning an urban cable car, while others are considering building one. However, Germany lacks practical examples and recommendations on how best to proceed, from the initial idea through planning and construction to operation. How can such a project be realized?

That’s why we commissioned this guide. It was developed over a two-year process, involving many experts and representatives from the federal and state governments, municipalities, transport companies, transit associations, and specialists.

We also conducted research abroad: What experiences have been made there? To what extent can we transfer them to Germany? What obstacles and challenges exist, and what must be considered when implementing such a project? All of this can now be found in the guide, from A to Z.

The feedback on the guide has been consistently positive. Are there plans to go into even greater depth, or is it intended as a standard reference until the first cable car is implemented in Germany?

The latter. Of course, we hope that a demonstration project will soon be realized in a German city or municipality. Until then, the guide serves as a practical manual. We’ll see whether additional aspects need to be examined more closely during implementation, for example, in regulatory frameworks. But for now, it’s a guide that municipalities can use as a reference.

There are many ideas for urban cable cars in Germany. Why hasn’t one been implemented yet?

The reasons vary from case to case. Some municipalities have an idea and may go public too early or base their calculations on unrealistic cost assumptions. Others find that a different transport system better meets their local needs, such as a bus or tram. A cable car cannot solve all transportation needs and demands. It is a continuous transport system designed for very specific use cases, such as overcoming obstacles.

The guide and financial subsidies are two ways to promote urban cable car projects. What else can the federal government do to support their realization?

We actively promote this topic. For example, we took on the patronage of the Cable Car World congress and trade fair. Transport Minister Volker Wissing and State Secretary Hartmut Höppner opened the event and are genuinely committed to the issue. We want to bring urban cable cars into public awareness.

As you correctly pointed out, we also provide financial support. This requires a formal application at the appropriate stage of the planning process. Once reviewed, the federal government can cover up to 75% of eligible costs.

Another key issue is public acceptance. People often fear change. How do you address concerns about cable cars?

In our guide, we provide recommendations for each planning stage on how to involve the public. This must happen at a very early phase of the project. At the same time, municipalities shouldn’t present too many details too soon, such as the exact route. If they do, people might panic and say, “Oh no, the cabin will pass right by my window – everyone will be able to look into my apartment.”

That’s not how it should be. Instead, people must be involved from the start, and the steps and benefits of the system need to be explained clearly. For example, how the cable car will personally benefit them and how their city will gain from this innovative mode of transport. Authorities must also acknowledge and address public fears and concerns.

Municipalities should also secure early support from local businesses and civil society groups to gain backing from the outset. One thing is clear: every transport project has opponents, and they tend to be vocal. Transparent communication helps to build acceptance.

Can you give an example?

In the city of Bonn, a large majority of residents support the cable car because a well-thought-out concept has been developed there. That’s why I believe that, with a reasonable discussion, such projects can ultimately gain broad acceptance.

We are happy when municipalities come up with these ideas. We are happy when they advance planning. And we are happy when they are truly committed to realizing these projects. Wherever we can provide support, we signal our willingness to do so- and we follow through.

Is the Ministry of Transport a member of the International Organization for Transportation by Rope (OITAF)?

No, not directly. However, we stay informed about developments. We also maintain close coordination with the federal states, as cable car projects in Germany fall under state rather than federal jurisdiction.

Of course, we are also in contact with European institutions, acting as a link between EU regulatory frameworks and the German states. So, we are always actively engaged in these discussions.

Operationally, we support projects by providing funding and standardized assessments. The latter calculates economic factors such as cost-benefit ratios. We are involved in this process and provide appropriate support.