UK - Transport for London has unveiled plans for the UK’s first urban cable car which will link the O2 to Excel London as part of a £25m project.
The proposals, which are currently under public consultation in collaboration with the London Development Agency (LDA), include a privately-funded, fully accessible cable car for pedestrians and cyclists which would cut travel times between the two major venues, and be open ahead of the 2012 Games.
The cable car could provide a crossing every 30 seconds carrying up to 2,500 passengers an hour in each direction, equivalent to the capacity of 50 buses.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, says of the scheme: “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.
“It would also provide a much needed enhancement of cross-river options to the east of the city."
The aim is to fund the construction of the scheme entirely from private finance, and discussions are ongoing with a number of private sector organisations that have expressed interest in the project, according to Johnson.
