Theme Ib  Individual traffic with ropeway technology

1. statistics on current passenger transport (use of means of transport)

2. requirements for future individual transport

3. Description of the cable car of the future
4. Photos and videos of the ropeway technology for individual transport

5. examples of the different cable cars
6. system description of the new future ropeway
7. summary of the new cable cars 

8. The financing and the timetable (as with magnetic track technology)

a. The ropes, rails

1.              One or two ropes for each direction are tensioned from pillar to pillar at a height of approx. 4 metres to ensure the passage of fire engines, but not much higher.

2.              Between the two ends of the rope, rails will continue the vehicles.

3.              The rails will be used to build the switches, curves and crossings.

b. The cabins

1.          The cabins have their own electric drive including brakes, which is powered by batteries. There are solar cells on the roof to generate electricity. In the garages, these can be charged autonomously

2.              The cabins are controlled centrally with AI according to the requirements of the users.

3.              There are public as well as owner-occupied cabins,

4.              The number of people per cabin will be adjusted according to demand, as is already the case today,

c. The loading platform

1.              The cargo platforms have the same drive as the cabins,

2.              The cargo platforms are for today's cars. All of our current cars up to approx. 3 tons can use these load platforms,

3.            The on- and off-ramps of the cars are planned at the stops. It is also possible to leave the car at the bus stop and send it to a parking garage. Later, this can be ordered by AP to any stop.

d. The stops

1.              The stops are always on supports, as the ropes are interrupted,

2.              The stops will be kept very small and they can be set up and dismantled quickly as needed.

3.              Many stops, e.g. at train stations, can also be set up according to demand, here the cars should not be able to enter or exit.

4.            To get on and off, the cabins slow down the journey to a standstill, on a special piece of rail. The rail with the car is moved down with an elevator system. A second rail closes the gap so that other following cabins can pass by.

5.              The same applies to the load platforms,

6.            Stops on private property, e.g. company premises, school grounds or similar, are also permitted. The safety systems are being coordinated.

This list is a first draft that requires further adjustments, which will be updated on an ongoing basis.

02.07.2024

 Innovative cable car for the transport of the future

The new barrier-free cable car will connect the important parts of the city centre, the outer districts and the commercial areas. This cable car will offer both demand-responsive public journeys and individual journeys in private cabins. The private cabins can be customised according to the customer's wishes, similar to cars.

The cabins will travel autonomously with their own drive on fixed steel cables with an electric motor with overhead line or battery. Both are possible, with cost-effectiveness being the deciding factor. Battery-powered vehicles can be charged in the car parks when not in use. Electric 40 tonne lorries already have a range of approx. 500 km. The plan for the cable car of the future includes several special features and challenges: 

• Flexible route network: The cable car will have curves, crossings and switches so that it can travel directly to almost all streets without having to change trains. The cable car should run through the streets at a height of approx. 4 metres (passage for fire engines, for example). (should not pass over buildings)
• Barrier-free stops: Access at the stops will always be barrier-free and at ground level. This is made possible by the design of the stops, where the cabins are moved downwards to allow them to pass by. The advantage is that the stops can be kept very small (like underground lifts) and there is sufficient time to get on and off. Furthermore, the stop locations can be adapted to suit demand. 
• Material transport: In addition to passenger cabins, it should also be possible to transport our current cars in special load tubs. This makes it possible to completely free the roads from car traffic without having to introduce new vehicles. Today's vehicles and their occupants can be transported in an environmentally friendly way without traffic jams and traffic lights. The arrival and departure of cars is made possible via the stops mentioned above. (see VW plant in Bratislava)
• Intelligent control: journeys are coordinated using an app and AI, similar to baggage systems at airports.
• Autonomous car parks: Unused vehicles drive autonomously to empty car parks, where they can also be charged.

The aim of this project is to change private transport in a climate-friendly way, without restrictions. Traffic accidents will be prevented (Vision Zero) and the now car-free streets can be largely unsealed to create space for green areas and pedestrian and cycle traffic.

This cable car of the future will provide a revolutionary solution to make all transport more efficient and environmentally friendly for a people-friendly city with car-free streets. With the transport of today's vehicles, a smooth transition or change is made possible, without renunciation and without prohibitions.

Introduction

We present an innovative concept to promote sustainable and climate-neutral mobility in urban areas through the use of new cable cars. The idea is aimed at revolutionising private transport and shaping an environmentally friendly future.

The challenge of climate change and mobility

The current challenges of climate change require a drastic change in the way we deal with mobility, as the transport sector contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In order to meet these challenges, we need to reorient our way of thinking and make greater use of innovative technologies to find sustainable solutions. 

The concept of the new cable cars

The proposed solution is based on the use of new cable cars in which vehicles, both public and private, are suspended at a height of around 4 metres over specially designed routes. Our current vehicles can also float on platforms, similar to a car transporter, using this system. This provides a smooth transition between current and future vehicles.

This technology enables a smooth flow of traffic, minimises the amount of floor space required and significantly reduces energy consumption.

Advantages of the new cable cars

The advantages of this technology are manifold. Firstly, it significantly reduces the space required for traffic, as the vehicles are suspended in the air. Car-free streets are now possible. This creates space for more green areas, pedestrian zones and cycle paths, resulting in a more liveable environment.

Secondly, the use of electric drives for these cable cars is an integral part of the concept. As only the vehicles used are powered and not the heavy cable, operation is very economical. The use of renewable energy as a power source means that no emissions are produced on site, which makes a significant contribution to reducing the carbon footprint.

Thirdly, increased mobility in the third dimension enables faster and more efficient transport within the city. This leads to less congestion and time savings for all citizens.

Realisation and cooperation

Realising this visionary concept requires investment in research, infrastructure and collaboration between government, scientists, industry and the community. Only through joint efforts can we further develop and optimise this technology and make it accessible to everyone. 

Conclusion

It is within our power as a society to shape a sustainable future. By working together and implementing innovative ideas such as cable cars of the future, we can create climate-neutral mobility for our cities. Let's work together on this visionary dream and create an environmentally friendly future. 

A timetable and quantity structure will also be drawn up for the financing.

It is planned to build up 40,000 km of tracks incl. stops in cities in Germany within the next 10 years. (4,000 km per year) 

• 1 km of rails approx. 4 million EUR
• Maintenance 500 EUR per km per year starting from the 2nd year onwards.
• IT costs 10 million for the first 4 years, then 7 million     

Financing starts at 10% pro rata from the 2nd year (equivalent to 4,000 km) and increases by 10% each subsequent year until 100% and the 40,000 km is reached. 

Of course, everyone can make their own calculation.

If you find any errors, we are grateful for any advice.