Commuting by cable car has come to the UK as a River Thames crossing with a difference opened to the public on 28th June 2012. The Emirates Air Line, a £44 million cable car system spanning the Thames in London, was officially launched by London mayor Boris Johnson. The cable cars will whisk passengers almost 300ft above the river between Greenwich, by the 02 Arena in south London, and the Royal Docks, by the ExCel exhibition centre to the north.

Each car provides 360-degree viphprbbCVw1648ews taking in the City, Canary Wharf, historic Greenwich, the Thames Barrier and the Olympic Park. Boris Johnson commented: “Get on this cable car immediately. It’s beautiful, worth every penny and a stunning piece of engineering.” The system is sponsored by Dubai-based airline Emirates, which has contributed £36 million to the project in a 10-year deal.

The system can carry up to 2,500 people per hour in each direction and will operate every day. Hardscape supplied Kellen Tagenta A B C D E paving, Kobra granite edgings and kerbs and bespoke Crystal Black granite benches around the main terminal on the 02 Arena side of the Thames.