SI-Urban
URBAN CABLEWAYS
Cableways and mountain railways are not only used in the winter sports industry. They’ve also become a practical means of transportation in cities, which is why we decided to launch SI Urban Magazine. Here we focus on the various topics that are relevant to the urban sector, which are sorted into the categories city, tourism and airport. Each of them will provide you with exciting news about technology, maintenance & service, security, surveillance, city and landscape planning and much more. Innovations, new types of projects and optimal solutions from all over the world should encourage reflection, help in finding ideas and reveal new opportunities.
How ropeways can harness solar power
In Bolivia’s administrative center, La Paz, the “Mi Teleférico” сable car network is taking another step toward sustainability: while the cabins are already equipped with solar panels, the operator is now working on a model for generating its own renewable energy. The challenges and opportunities involved affect not only “Mi Teleférico” but many other cable car operators as well. Which aspects are particularly important, and what solutions are being implemented?
Digital Nudging: How do you get people to be sustainably mobile?
Digital nudging motivates people to use more sustainable mobility options, such as switching from the car to cycling or public transport, or walking. The focus is on “soft interventions” that can be implemented digitally and work without restrictions or bans. A free handbook from Salzburg Research provides concrete recommendations for action and ideas for transport operators, authorities, and institutions.
Urban Cable Cars: Potential- and barrier factores
The Munich metropolitan area, home to approximately 1.5 million residents, is heavily influenced by commuter traffic. At the same time, there are deficiencies in tangential cross-connections within the public transport network. What factors speak for or against implementing an urban cable car?
UITP Summit in Dubai cancelled
As a media partner, SI was informed: After assessing the situation in the Gulf region and its impact on international travel, UITP has decided to cancel the 2026 Summit. The event was scheduled to take place in Dubai from April 21 to 23, 2026.
Plans in the homeland of cable cars
Ropeways are inextricably linked to Switzerland, shaping the country‘s image as a destination for sports and nature. However, the urban variant has struggled to gain a foothold. Nevertheless, several projects are underway, some of which are already quite far along.
Germany: Where are urban cable cars being planned?
Urban cable cars seem to be a perennial media topic, particularly in Germany: ideas pop up in many places, only to disappear shortly thereafter. However, there are projects that are being pursued with increasing seriousness. An overview.
Urban ropeways: From concept to implementation
Urban infrastructure projects require solid preparation and planning, yet for ropeways in particular, this is often ignored. Ideas are frequently presented to the public without first verifying which mobility needs are actually being met and what the impact of these improvements will be. The successfully implemented “Câble C1“ project near Paris demonstrates how to do it right.
Toulouse: More efficent maintenance for maximum availability
Time and safety – these are the critical factors in the maintenance of urban ropeways. The time windows are tight in order not to interrupt operations longer than necessary. With a great deal of expertise and internally developed tools, the French manufacturer POMA has optimized the maintenance of ropeways. The best current example is the track rope relocation on the “Téléo“ in Toulouse.
China: Two BARTHOLET cable cars for city tourism
While one city tourism cable car in China has been successfully operating since the end of 2025, construction on a second system is progressing rapidly. The Swiss manufacturer BARTHOLET carries out these projects in unique natural settings, which place the highest demands on technology and planning – both climatically and geographically.
Chile: New cable car line opens in Santiago
The new Pio Nono cable car line in the Chilean capital, Santiago, has entered a trial phase. Until mid-March, visitors can book a free ride.
POMA now operates and maintains the cable car in Ajaccio
In October 2025, “Angelo” began operations – the first urban cable car in Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica. For POMA, however, the work does not end there; the French manufacturer is taking over the operation and maintenance of the system for the next ten years. This “all-inclusive“ package serves as a model for future urban ropeway projects.
Leitner to build Oceania’s first urban ropeway
Preparations for a genuine mobility revolution are currently underway in Queenstown, on New Zealand’s South Island. In a competitive tender process that began in May 2025, LEITNER has now been officially selected to build Oceania’s first urban ropeway.