Ropeways have already developed into a major solution of modern urban transport in the past years. With the ConnX prototype, LEITNER is now taking a significant step forward and creating unprecedented flexibility in the development of public transport with a unique hybrid solution.
The new ConnX system developed and patented by LEITNER is based on a ropeway, in which the cabin is transferred to an autonomous vehicle in the station, which then continues traveling on its own route. Possible topographical or structural obstacles can be easily passed over with a ropeway, while on the other hand, this "double solution" is also attractive for urban areas in which a continuous ropeway version cannot be realized.
ConnX will make an important contribution to increasing the acceptance of ropeways for urban public transport and for significantly expanding their range of applications. The name "ConnX" expresses the greatest benefit of the system, the ideal combination of an aerial and a terrestrial systems.
The combination of a ropeway and self-driving vehicles allow for a convenient, continuous transport without the need for passengers to switch between different modes of transport. Furthermore, the flowing, engaging interaction between suspended modes in the ropeway and ground-level sections provides perfect adaptability to diverse urban planning requirements.
In this way, existing infrastructural barriers – such as buildings or monuments – can be bypassed. ConnX is not only a "missing link" between different transport systems or between two ropeways, but also the "last mile connection" for transporting people or cargo.
ConnX strengthens the advantages of ropeways and creates added value from an ecological, structural and financial perspective, way better than conventional road and rail transport. In addition to the short construction period and low investment and operating costs, the hybrid solution provides a significant reduction of noise emissions and makes an efficient option for using e-mobility in public transport.
Thanks to the reliable journey times, continuous transport and flexible planning of stopping points, the ConnX meets the key requirements of a public system. Additionally, with a speed of ten meters per second, the carrying capacity can be maintained over the entire operating period, thanks to autonomous locomotion on defined lanes without disruptions or delays due to other road users.
ConnX is a "system mix", which make ropeways ever more attractive as a local public transport in urban areas.
