Thames Cable Car for the London Olympics

London authorities and private companies alike are currently engulfed in the preparation fever for the 2012 Olympics, with more and more ideas coming to life for the special event. After last week British Save Concorde Group (SCG) and French group Olympus 593 announced they are trying to revive the Concorde for the Olympics, now a new idea caught the imagination of London Mayor Boris Johnson.

The mayor announced last week a 25 million pounds project (most of the funds for the project will come, the Mayor says, from private investments) to build a cable car system spanning the River Thames, with a capacity of transporting 2,500 people per hour. Whereas the system is new to London, it is already in use in New York, Singapore and Barcelona, cities which became inspiration for the idea.

"A cable car spanning the majestic Thames would not only provide a unique and pioneering addition to London's skyline, but also offer a serene and joyful journey across the river," Johnson said in a statement cited by BBC.

"Passengers would be able to drink in the truly spectacular views of the Olympic Park and iconic London landmarks whilst shaving valuable minutes from their traveling time.”

For now, the idea remains an idea. The Mayor announced public consultation of projects will last until August 2, with the planning application to be submitted next year.

The cable car is supposed to connect Greenwich and the Royal Docks, traveling 50 meters high (164 feet) over the River Thames. Cars will be leaving the departure points every 30 seconds, with one trip to last about five minutes.