City of Stuttgart plans to examine opportunities with Cable car study

The state capital Stuttgart has completed its multi-year study on cable cars as a potential addition to public transport. While the specific pilot project examined in Stuttgart-Vaihingen will not be pursued further, the study opens up new perspectives for the use of cable cars in other parts of the city.

Stuttgart draws conclusions from the cable car study: The project in Vaihingen will not be pursued for economic reasons. At the same time, the city sees opportunities for other routes. A potential analysis will now identify suitable connections within the city limits and supplement the transport planning.

The feasibility study has shown that the connection between Vaihingen train station and the Eiermann site is not economically viable under the current conditions. The administration therefore recommends that planning for this route be discontinued. At the same time, the city emphasizes that, for the first time, well-founded assessments of the potential uses, costs, environmental impacts, and transport benefits of cable cars in urban areas are available. These provide a valuable basis for future planning.

Potential analysis should examine conditions and needs

The mayor for urban development, housing, and the environment, Peter Pätzold, says: “Where conditions are right, cable cars can be a good addition to existing public transport options. They can be a real opportunity for sustainable and space-saving mobility. For Vaihingen, however, it's not economically viable. At the same time, we now have a solid foundation to specifically search for better solutions within the city. Our aim is to seriously examine innovative approaches – and implement them where they truly offer added value for Stuttgart.”

A potential analysis is planned, specifically searching for routes where topographical conditions and traffic demand are particularly well-matched. The results will inform the further development of local public transport. Particular attention will be paid to possible connections in Stuttgart's north, for example in the Pragsattel – Robert Bosch Hospital area.

The discussion will now continue in the Vaihingen district council. A decision on further action is scheduled for the Committee for Urban Development and Technology (STA) on June 16.

Feasibility study for cable cars in Stuttgart here