Leitner
Leitner is a well-established company in the traditional gondola and ropeway industry, with a significant presence in both tourism and urban transportation markets. Alongside competitors such as Doppelmayr, Leitner has been actively exploring new technologies to advance the capabilities of cable-propelled transit systems.
In 2021, the same year Doppelmayr introduced its “Future Concept Urban,” Leitner unveiled its own prototype, known as ConnX. This technology reflects Leitner’s ongoing efforts to increase the flexibility and applicability of gondola systems, particularly in urban environments.
ConnX is designed as a hybrid solution, combining cable-based movement with ground-level automated systems to extend the reach of gondola cabins beyond traditional fixed aerial routes. The approach is intended to address the “first and last mile” challenge often faced in urban transit design.
Klaus Erharter, Technical Director at Leitner, has emphasized the role of ConnX in enhancing multimodal integration and offering a more adaptable transit option for complex city landscapes:
“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:
Is it a supergondola?
Leitner’s ConnX represents a step toward expanding the flexibility of traditional gondola systems, but it does not yet meet the criteria for a fully autonomous urban supergondola. Based on current information, ConnX operates along a single, fixed guide track - similar in concept to systems found in amusement park dark rides - and requires a dedicated pathway or “guideway” to connect segments.
While this extends the reach of cable-based transport beyond the fixed aerial alignment, it also introduces constraints. The need for dedicated roadway infrastructure presents challenges in dense urban environments, where space and construction feasibility are limited. Additionally, ConnX has not yet been demonstrated as a fully autonomous or dynamically routed system, which are typically key elements in the supergondola concept.
The ConnX prototype was introduced in 2021, the same year Doppelmayr revealed its "Future Concept Urban," suggesting that both companies are actively exploring next-generation urban transport solutions. It is possible that additional developments from Leitner are underway but have not yet been publicly disclosed.
It’s likely Leitner 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. Also, for a company that does a lot of implementation at ski resorts, it’s hard not to imagine snow and ice rendering ConnX inoperable - knocking out one of their major market segments… feels a little like designing an exhaust port on a Death Star. Sorry to point this out because we truly want to rally behind Leitner.
When will it happen?
ConnX is an operational concept, but it currently functions as a component rather than a complete supergondola system. Leitner has demonstrated experience in building compact gondola stations suitable for urban settings, indicating a potential foundation for future innovations.
The current requirement for new dedicated road infrastructure remains a significant barrier to broader urban integration. However, Leitner’s progress with ConnX shows a clear interest in evolving urban aerial transport, and further advancements may be forthcoming as the company continues to refine its approach. To sum up… the force is strong with this one!