SkyLink has aerial solution to West Seattle gridlock
A gondola linking SoDo and West Seattle would be cheaper and easier to build, according to SkyLink.
By SAM BENNETT
Photo by Sam Bennett
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Aerial trams, such as Portland’s tram, can overcome terrain challenges and whisk riders over traffic congestion.
Image courtesy of SkyLink
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Gondola systems are gaining popularity around the world as alternatives to ground transit.
A group of West Seattle residents has a transit solution that goes above and beyond.
Gliding over a three-mile stretch between Sound Transit s SoDo station and Alaska Junction in West Seattle, a group calling itself SkyLink envisions an urban gondola.
Advantage: Novelty and quiet rides.
Disadvantage 1: For the most part, cableways can only go in a straight line without complicated turning mechanisms. Who is commuting from Alaska Junction to Sodo? http://gondolaproject.com/cornering/
Disadvantage 2: The estimated capacity and wait times here are patently false. A 4-car Sound Transit train is planned to carry 592 people at peak hour – let’s say it’s 66% of that is reasonable for the less-dense West Seattle area, or 390 people per train. (https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-keeping-close-eye-on-crowded-light-rail-trains/)
If the cabins are anything like all the photos in the article and examples in other urban areas, let’s say average capacity is 4 passengers per cabin, arriving at the maximum 10 second spacing. That means during your morning commute, you wait in line for over 16 minutes before you get a chance to board. Add a little human factors for fussy commuters who want to travel in