This is a very interesting read about how things are developing on the public and active transport front in Queenstown, from the perspective of a philanthropist who has retired there and who is getting stuck in.
Now I understand a bit better how they’ve been able to build so much cycling stuff recently:
I do have concerns about a private individual with significant money and influence deciding how transport is managed. This should be the responsibility of elected officials and councils- regardless of how well intentioned he is. The concept of a horizontal gondola to deal with public transport is slightly bonkers. I would love to know if there are examples where this has been used to effectively deal with traffic congestion. Priority bus lanes, electric buses, a ferry service, cycle lanes, congestion pricing, parking policy - all a bit “boring” compared to a gondola but are known to be effective methods to move lots of people.
Don’t think this will end well for Queenstown.
Greater Auckland wrote a great article about gondola’s;