East London cable car due for launch by the end of the month
BRITAIN’S first cable car spanning the Thames is set to open to the public in time for the Olympic games, Transport for London confirmed today.
The £50m project has been subject to safety tests in recent weeks but TfL said it was on course to open on 28 June, a month ahead of the Games.
Emirates Airline is sponsoring the Alpine-like cars, which will be able to carry 2,500 people an hour between two Olympic venues, the 02 in Greenwich and the ExCel centre at the Royal Docks.
“This spectacular new addition to London’s skyline will provide a much needed new river crossing in the east of our great city”, London mayor Boris Johnson said today.
“It will open up access to jobs in the Royal Docks enterprise zone and attract businesses and investors to a previously under exploited area.”
Passengers will be able to use their Oyster cards to make the journey, with a single fare using Oyster pay as you go costing £3.20 or £1.60 for a child, TfL said.
A non-stop return journey to take in the skyscraper views will set sightseers back £6.40 on Oyster.