London 2012 Olympics crossing: Boris Johnson tries new £50m River Thames cable car

June 29th, 2012

FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda

New cable car can carry 2,500 per hour in each direction
A single journey will cost £3.20 for adults and £1.60 for children
Boris Johnson says it is a ‘spectacular new addition to London’s skyline’

By
Rob Cooper

PUBLISHED:

05:25 EST, 28 June 2012

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UPDATED:

11:07 EST, 28 June 2012

It’s certainly one way to beat the predicted chaos of the capital’s public transport during the summer’s Games.

And at least if you do get stuck, there are the dramatic views of London’s skyline – not to mention a glimpse of the Olympic stadium – to enjoy.

The cable car across the River Thames was officially launched by Boris Johnson today with just under a month to go to the Olympics.

The London Mayor was the first passenger on the £44million Emirates Air Line which offers 360-degree views of the city.

Scroll down for video

Spectacular: The view from the new Emirates Air Line which carries passengers over the River Thames 300ft in the air

Riding high: Mayor Boris Johnson rides Britain's first urban cable car today which has opened in time for the Olympics

Riding high: Mayor Boris Johnson rides Britain’s first urban cable car today which has opened in time for the Olympics

River view: The crossing carries people between Greenwich Peninsula, to the south, and the Royal Docks, to the north

Up to 2,500 passengers an hour will be carried in each direction over the river between Greenwich Peninsula, to the south, and the Royal Docks, to the north.

Ahead of the public opening, Mr Johnson rode one of the cable cars, which will whisk passengers almost 300ft above the water.

The Mayor said: ‘Get on this cable car immediately. It’s
beautiful, worth every penny and a stunning piece of engineering.’

He added that the new system would
provide a much-needed connection across the Thames and become ‘a
must-see destination in its own right’.

Skyrider: a view from the cab of the Emirates Air Line cable car as it opens to the public for the first time today

Base station: The new cable car costs adults £3.20 for a single journey on Oyster Cards, and £1.60 for children

The system is sponsored by Dubai-based airline Emirates, which has contributed £36 million to the project in a 10-year deal.

A single fare will cost £3.20 for those using Oyster cards and £1.60 for children, while adults paying by cash will have to
fork out £4.30.

There will also be special ‘frequent flyer’ deals for
regular users.

It cuts journey times to around five minutes between the O2 arena and the ExCel exhibition centre – both of which are Olympic venues.

The O2 will host events including the
gymnastics and basketball finals, while the ExCel centre features seven
Olympic events and six Paralympic sports.

Each car provides 360-degree views
taking in the City, Canary Wharf, historic Greenwich, the Thames Barrier
and the Olympic Park.

Although it has been completed in time for the Olympics, it will also help cut commute times and stay in place after the games.

The two locations of the Emirates Airline has already been added to Transport for London maps.

North of the River Thames the Emirates Royal Dock is accessible via a short walk from Royal Victoria station on the DLR, while south of the river the Emirates Greenwich Peninsula is close to North Greenwich tube station on the Jubilee line.

The Emirates Airline location has already been added to the London Underground Tube maps

Another map shows how the cable car can transport passengers over the River Thames

Sky rider: Workers test the gondolas as tests are carried out prior to today's official opening

Sky rider: Workers test the gondolas as tests are carried out prior to today’s official opening

Launch event: London Mayor Boris Johnson said today: 'Get on this cable car immediately. It¿s beautiful, worth every penny and a stunning piece of engineering.'

Riding high: The cable car cuts journey times to around five minutes between the O2 arena and the ExCel exhibition centre - both of which are Olympic venues

Riding high: The cable car cuts journey times to around five minutes between the O2 arena and the ExCel exhibition centre – both of which are Olympic venues. At today’s launch, London Mayor Boris Johnson said: ‘Get on this cable car immediately. It’s beautiful, worth every penny and a stunning piece of engineering’

Cabin crew from Emirates, which has contributed £36 million to the project, attend the launch

Cities already operating cable car systems include Barcelona, Cologne, Hong Kong, Lisbon, New York and Singapore.

By the time the facility opened to the public at noon, queues of customers had built up in the warm sunshine.

First in line to take a trip was
Greenwich resident Matt Jarvis, who had been waiting for several hours.
‘It looks amazing,’ said Mr Jarvis, a writer.

Former company director Maurice
Bennett, 79, from Hampstead, north west London, said: ‘I think it’s
brilliant and it’s the shape of transport to come.’

Sean Murphy, from Tottenham, north
London, had arrived at 6.55am believing he would get a ride at 7am, only
to find he faced a five-hour wait.

‘The wait has been worth it,’ said Mr Murphy, who is retired.

By the time the first fare-paying
passengers climbed aboard the cars, they were able to enjoy almost
perfect conditions, with the showery rain of early morning long gone and
replaced with clear, blue skies and soaring temperatures.

Spectacular views: Games visitors will be able to use the cable car to get to the O2 arena which is hosting the gymnastics and basketball finals

Cable car is go

Cable car is go: The first ever passengers are carried over the River Thames in the cable car as it was opened to the public at midday

A peek inside the red-lined cable cars, which opened today

VIDEO: London Mayor Boris Johnson takes a ride on the cable car

Here’s what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts,
or debate this issue live on our message boards.

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I think it’s amazing what London are doing for the Olympics and you should all be proud of your city and support these games instead of forever moaning and whinging about it. Tourism will rocket during this time so stop being so negative. Go on and red arrow me you whinging Poms lol.

– Ben, Melbourne, Australia, 29/6/2012 03:12

How much is this whole fiasco costing. This money could have been spent on fantastic new hospitals, schools

– L , Lincolnshire, 28/6/2012 22:26

It cost HOW much? How many passengers will it have to take before it even begins to recoup the £50m spend?

– Disgusted, Beverley, 28/6/2012 22:00

recollects memory of watching movie frozen

– Deepu, india , 28/6/2012 20:01

I so wish I was there right now…London you are amazing….:)

– Sarah Waite , Devonport, new Zealand , 28/6/2012 19:33

Enough about how much it is for a single one way ticket or if you have an Oyster, what about those who use travel cards? Is this included in the price of the Travelcard? No one buys an oyster card for a one day visit to London or do they go around buying single fares.

– Gonzo, London, 28/6/2012 19:25

It looks amazing. East Greenwich has changed (for the better) over the last 30 years.

– George, Greenwich, 28/6/2012 19:21

Once again, it seems obvious that, as far as London is concerned, the government has a bottomless pit of money. Any chance of the rest of us getting a look in some time?

– barriejohn, Lymington, UK, 28/6/2012 19:18

How long do you think it will take an amorous couple to “christian” the cable car ride? – Rainy Rain Man, down with the trumpets, 28/6/2012 16:25 ……………………………………they would have to be quick as the ride only lasts for a few minutes – still that means the majority of the male population would qualify!!!!

– Mother Mia, South Northants, 28/6/2012 18:50

travelled on this today….its so much fun and the views are pretty amazing. excellent service from the staff too

– Mark, Camden, London, 28/6/2012 18:49

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