As Metro considers building a gondola from Union Station to Dodger Stadium, we should also consider the huge success—and the factors that made it successful—of Portland's aerial tram from the hipster South Waterfront neighborhood below to the Oregon Health & Science University's main campus atop Marquam Hill.

The terminal at the base of the tram is at the intersection of two streets that are the most transportation-diverse in the country, with cars, buses, shuttles, Portland's famous streetcar, a soaring pedestrian and bike bridge, a shipyard, cycle track, and the densest bike parking in the U.S.

Why a tram? OHSU is Portland's largest employer and medical destination and there are several medical schools, while Marquam Hill is home to hospitals, a residential neighborhood and nature trails—but is accesible by just two 2-lane roads. What was the best way to transport lots and lots of people? The city and stakeholders decided on the aerial tram, which travels 3,300 linear feet at 22 mph during the 4-minute trip, has a capacity of 79 people, and one arrives every few minutes.

There's more info HERE.