Thames cable car to link 2012 Olympic Games venues

A £25m cable car across the Thames is being planned to link 2012 Olympics venues.

It will cross the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, carrying up to 2,500 passengers an hour 50 metres in the air.

It is designed to cut journey times between the 02 arena and the ExCel exhibition centre - both of which are Olympic locations.

The privately-funded system could provide a crossing every 30 seconds.

'Spectacular views'

Discussions are ongoing with a number of private sector organisations that have expressed interest in the project, Transport for London (TfL) says.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said it would provide "a unique and pioneering addition to London's skyline".

He added that passengers would be able "to drink in the truly spectacular views of the Olympic Park and iconic London landmarks".

London's Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy said: "A privately-funded cable car system offers a relatively quick and cost-effective way of improving connections across the river for pedestrians and cyclists while road links are progressed in parallel."

Former Labour Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "I would have no objection to a cable car, as it would be a development for the area.

"But what is really needed is a road bridge that would carry more commuters."

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