Opportunities and obstacles of urban ropeway systems in Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Urban ropeway systems can contribute to a sustainable transport system. However, such projects often fail due to strong resistance. A new project will provide information on the practicality of such systems in Baden-Württemberg.

In recent years, transport experts and urban planners have increasingly discussed urban ropeway systems as a complement to public transport.

In Germany, however, most ideas have so far failed to get off the ground. Despite sophisticated technical systems, such concepts have often been confronted with substantial resistance from professionals and the population, which prevented the realization of such projects. This new project will transparently provide insights into the arguments and positions for and against urban ropeway systems.

In order to understand resistance and barriers to the installation of ropeway systems, we will analyze three potentially suitable areas in Baden-Württemberg. An impact assessment will be provided for all three areas. Each of them will be analyzed qualitatively by conducting focus group discussions with the public and in stakeholder workshops in order to identify conflicts of interests, goals, and norms and values at stake. For one of the areas, we will quantitatively assess the potential impact of a ropeway on the transport system, including its economic and ecological effects, by using a microscopic software tool. (17.02.2016)

Further links:

Project description at ITAS