TfL - Cable Car - Operate, Maintain and Business Development

The London Cable Car (Emirates Air-Line) is a cableway system that opened in 2012 to support people travelling across the River Thames. There are two terminals: North Terminal which is situated at the Royal Docks in Newham and the South Terminal which is situated at Greenwich Peninsular in Greenwich.

The Cable Car has 34 cabins (gondolas) that rotate around a continuous cable system. The journey is 1.1km long and reaches a height of 90m. There are six towers that elevate the Cable Car above the ground and across the river and TfL fully owns the business.

The Cable Car is a very popular tourist attraction with over 1.3m customers each year and has helped develop the areas both sides of the river. The Cable Car has developed its business from being an alternative transport mode into a leisure-based attraction which has included delivering new experiences and events.

The potential contract resulting from this opportunity will seek to replace the current arrangement for Operating and Maintaining the Cable Car. Further information can be found in the Market Sounding Questionnaire (MSQ) which seeks to understand the supply market view on the following service elements related to the Cable Car:

A. Operating the Cable Car

Manage the day-to-day operation of the Cable Car. This would include managing the customer experience through on-site staff and information in and around the terminals, the selling of tickets through the ticket office and online and providing on site security.

B. Maintaining the Cable Car

Manage the maintenance of the cableway only. This includes the mechanical and electrical elements of the Cable Car in accordance with cableway standards. As an example this would include the haul rope, gondolas and towers.

C. Facilities Management of the Stations/Terminals:

Manage the maintenance of the facilities in the terminals that is not deemed part of the cableway system. As an example this would include CCTV, lighting, air conditioning, lifts and the PA system.

D. Management of Retail

Manage the sale of Cable Car retail through a retail shop. This would include souvenirs, gifts, promotional items and food and drink.

E. Business Development of Revenue Growth

Lead on initiatives that build the business and increase revenue. This could include delivering wider cable car experiences, support in marketing and building new partnerships.