Leitner
Leitner is a major player in the traditional urban gondola / ropeway world. Like their competitor Doppelmayr, Leitner have been pushing innovation in the gondola world for some time. They have the reach in the market to find success and breakout as the leader in the supergondola race.
In 2021, the same year as Doppelmayr’s “Future Concept Urban” was revealed, Leitner unveiled their ConnX prototype. Leitner has been working in the urban gondola space for sometime and the introduction of the ConnX technology helps them add flexibility to their transportation options.
Klaus Erharter (Technical Director of Leitner) explains the importance of the technology:
“The concept of intermodal, sustainable passenger transport is key to the idea. The passengers should be able to reach their destination without changing from one mean of transport to another. Areas that are inaccessible to ropeways are reached by self-driving modules.”
100% agree that a key to solving the transportation network for a supergondola is the passenger experience, and not having a “transfer penalty” for changing modes. Here’s a look at ConnX in action:
It’s unclear if Leitner has ConnX working toward full autonomy. As it’s been detailed so far, ConnX runs along a single guide track (a little like a dark ride at an amusement park) and requires it’s own dedicated road or “guideway” to make connections.
Is it a supergondola?
It’s expanding the reach of a traditional gondola, so Leitner is definitely getting closer - and we don’t know what they are working on behind the scenes. It’s telling that ConnX debuted at the same time as Doppelmayr showcased their urban transport vision - making it pretty easy to speculate that they may have more up their sleeve.
Likely they have another innovation coming that will move the needle further toward a true urban supergondola transportation system. But as it stands currently, the fact that ConnX can’t navigate autonomously and requires a guidance track on a roadway means that it can’t really integrate easily into an urban environment. Putting in new dedicated roads is going to require a ton of concrete and space that just isn’t available in a city.
When will it happen?
ConnX is happening, but it remains only a piece of the puzzle to rolling out a full supergondola. Leitner has been successful in designing small footprint gondola stations in urban settings. The requirement of a dedicated roadway for ConnX to make their connections is the limiting factor to achieving the supergondola dream.
But, we’re keeping our eyes locked on Leitner and fully expect there’s more to the story behind the scenes. The fact that they’ve made the strides they have with ConnX demonstrates that they have the ability and likely the planning underway for a lighter footprint and more flexible innovation. Leitner may be on track to lead the supergondola future.