The two-car gondola can carry 200 passengers, with a maximum speed of 70 km/h, equipped with self-driving technology and low energy consumption.
China’s first commercial aerial tramway rolled off the production line at the CRRC Sifang factory in Qingdao, Shandong Province, eastern China, on August 26. Designed for the Chinese Optical Valley (OVC) tourism project in Wuhan, Hubei Province, the tramway has a maximum speed of 70 km/h and can accommodate 200 passengers.
The new vehicle is equipped with advanced technologies that support automated driving. “The entire operation of the tram is controlled automatically, meaning it can start, stop, and open and close doors without manual intervention. The operator only needs to respond to emergencies,” a representative from CRRC Sifang stated.
The tram can autonomously move to the nearest station in case of a power outage.
The commercial gondola is also designed to reduce carbon emissions. According to CRRC Sifang, it can decrease energy consumption by 15% per 100 km per passenger, thanks to its permanent magnet motor and more efficient, energy-saving variable frequency air conditioning system.
Additionally, various other methods have been implemented to ensure the tram’s safety. For instance, the tram can autonomously move to the nearest station in the event of a power outage. This vehicle also adheres to strict international fire safety standards to ensure fire prevention and safety.
The aerial tramway is expected to be a new driving force for tourism in Wuhan, providing an exciting experience for passengers with advanced technology and a 270-degree view. It will operate along a scenic route in the Central Optical Valley Ecological Corridor, which spans 26.7 km. The first phase of the project includes a 10.5 km section with six stations.
