Boris unveils new London cable car for commuters

PA

Boris Johnson has revealed the brand new gondolas that will be the latest way for commuters in London to travel next year.

The cable car scheme connecting the Greenwich and the Royal Victoria Dock across the Thames will be called Emirates Air Line.

The £60m scheme will get passengers across the water in five minutes, between stations known as Emirates Royal Docks and Emirates Greenwich Peninsula.

Each of the 34 gondolas will be able to carry 10 people, and will have the capacity to transport 2,500 people per hour in each direction, with two million passengers likely to use the system annually.

The construction is set to be ready for summer 2012, and has 135 people working on the project. When it is finished, the cable car link will span 420 metres of the river, and will employ 25 people to run it.

The system will be part of the Oyster ticketing network, but fares have not yet been set.

PA

Boris Johnson revealed the gondola at the ExCel marina, joined by Tim Clark, president of Emirates, and Mike Brown, managing director of Londo Underground and Rail.

Emirates signed a 10-year sponsorship deal worth £36 million, and Mr Clark said: 'As one of the world's most innovative airlines, the link with this new form of air travel in London is a perfect fit for us.

'The Emirates Air Line will take off as an iconic landmark for London. We are always looking for new ways to support the communities we serve and what better way than to bring this ground-breaking transport scheme to residents and visitors alike.'

And, according to docklands24.co.uk, Boris announced: 'This multi-million pound deal is tremendous news for London, helping us to deliver a new addition to the city's skyline.

'The Emirates Air Line will be an exciting and innovative mode of transport easing travel for thousands and offering spectacular bird's eye vistas of our majestic Thames.

'The UK's first urban cable car will also act as a vibrant catalyst for the further regeneration of east London helping to attract jobs and investment for the benefit of Londoners.'


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