uSky
One of the upstarts that are challenging the major four gondola giants is uSky Transport. The company was originally founded as SkyWay by Anatoli Unitsky in Belarus in 2018 and has been working to develop cable and rail transportation systems for passengers and cargo. One of their major innovation claims is the invention of “string rail”, which combines standard concrete and steel support guideway structures that have rail sections attached to them and connected with concrete reinforced, pre-stretched, standard ropeway cables.
It’s unclear why uSky believes encasing the ropeway cable in filler and a rail head is required to achieve their networks. One possibility is it increases the rigidity of the guideway so their vehicles can hit speeds of 150 kph. It’s also difficult to determine how basic best practices for cable fatigue, tensioning, and replacement - for example - are approached with an inaccessible encased ropeway. Here’s an example of the three types of infrastructure approaches of uSky:
uSky has certainly put forth a bold and expansive vision, showcasing multiple “pod” options as well as demonstrations of cargo and logistics movement. Back in July 2021, CNN Business posted this short video about the company and their ambitions:
Here’s another video that shows their vision for how the transport system would integrate into existing urban landscapes. uSky’s promotional material has tended to blend what appears to be test builds with computer-generated and AI renders - making it hard to know where they actually are when it comes to technical development. In addition to stations and layered vertical network ideas, this video is one that includes an example of how they would be able to make turns:
uSky has a big, bold vision - and they seem to be progressing the concepts. So, on the one hand, it’s cause for optimism for fans of urban supergondola transit technology and the promise of it becoming a reality soon. Promises, however, are a cause for concern when it comes to uSky. The company has been clouded by scandals that have confused them with a partnership investment scam - as detailed in this story from the Associated Press.
Is it a supergondola?
If it’s real, uSky is absolutely checking a lot of boxes for a supergondola. They are using a combination of cables (albeit ones encased in metal and filler) and rail to create what appears to be an on-demand aerial network that can function like a ride-hailing experience (in their smaller “pod” examples). It’s unclear how the rider experience would work, it seems less like an Uber or Lyft experience and more of a commuter rail in the sky type system. The few examples of their “pods” being able to turn are shown with a massive turning radius requirement that would make it hard to wedge into an urban environment. But, again, the vision contains many of the key requirements for achieving the goals of an urban supergondola.
When will it happen?
Well, that’s the thing. They do seem to still exist as a company, despite the scandal of a partnership history that may not have existed. It’s all gets a little fuzzy around the edges with uSky, but they are set up now with a development facility at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park in the UAE. There’s also been an announcement for a project in Nepal that is targeted for opening in 2028. So, “When will it happen?” could be as early as 2028 - and as much as we’d like to see a supergondola from uSky happen, we’re a little skeptical. But, we’re going to be keeping a close watch on them for sure.