Aerial Cable Car in the City Centre of Makassar: The Potential Routes, Technology and Station Locations

Abstract

Aerial cable car is one of unique and efficient transportation modes that the world has today. This research aimed to explore the potential application of this mode in the urban areas of Makassar City, specifically in its city centre. It is designed to answer preliminary planning questions with regard to the best potential routes, technology, and station locations for the implementation of this mode in the near future. The research was conducted in 5 months (from April to August 2019). The data was collected through literature study and field survey including a traffic counting. The spatial analysis utilized satellite image map of Google Pro Earth, mapping, illustration and descriptive explanation. The research identified at least three trip purposes that the aerial cable car could potentially serve the city: for daily transportation, tourism, and shopping/business centres trips. It was concluded that trips to Lae-lae and Kayangan Resort Islands, the Losari City Tour, and trips from shopping mall to mall, are among potential routes that deserve for further comprehensive researches and feasibility studies. Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) is considered the best choice as a starting point in introducing this type of mode to the city and its people. The locational analysis based on defined criteria resulted five to nine potential station locations.