This presentation was about the Coastside Sky Tram (via Zoom). Peter von Bleichert, a business professor at the College of San Mateo, has been visiting Half Moon Bay for decades and is familiar with the issues of Highway 92. “I sat there once for two hours just trying to get to the pumpkin festival.” He’s published books on the work of his great-great-grandfather Adolf Bleichert, who built Germany’s first aerial ropeway in 1872. And last year wrote an article for an industry engineering magazine about how an aerial tramway might work for Half Moon Bay. This got picked up by the San Mateo Daily Journal in a piece that was read by Mayor Debbie Ruddock and led to her inviting him to present to the City Council. Since then the idea has picked up steam.
There is an exploration team forming, email CoastSkyway@gmail.com to be added to their email list. Deborah Harter Williams was in attendance with a model tram and informational materials. They are currently in the exploratory phase, a feasibility and engineering study would be the next step. A multi national engineering firm is interested and he feels funding is available.
Q & A and Reactions?
Warren - First reaction, chuckle. What is the time it would take for the trip.. A. It travels at about 19 MPH, so it would be about a 20 minute ride. The cars are climate controlled. You would be able to bring your dog, bike, surfboard and there would be Wi-Fi.
Doug - Total cars and how many riders per car? A. It would handle as many as needed and they could be changed to accommodate any situation, for example the P-Fest. They could dispatch fire fighting or rescue gondolas. They are very earthquake ready
Joe - Did you consider connecting with SamTrans? A. Yes, there are two phases—the first is the HMB to 280. Phase 2 would go to CalTrain station. They will apply for State and Federal funding which means connecting to public transit. This could be very profitable.
Charise - Where is HMB drop off point? A. Several spots have been proposed, for instance the corner of 92 and Hwy ; the pumpkin patch. There are several options. Q. How about the Coastal Commission? A. We’re starting to loop them in and are looking to include all stakeholders soon. Q. How tall are the towers and what would be the spacing? A. They have a 10 foot footprint, the length between towers depends on engineering. This system allows for lengthy spaces between 8-10 feet between towers. There will be no traffic interruptions since work will be on private land.
Kevin - Would it be a public or private ownership? A. It will probably be a combination. We’re not sure yet, it depends on grants and funding.
Doug - Want to know if there would be parking at 280? A. Yes, a few spaces have been identified, there is also underutilized parking at Canada College. Q. Would the stations be unmanned? A. There could be an operator in each station, primarily in HMB. The cars can be manned or have docents or they could be completely unmanned.
Steve - How long to build? A. It should be fast, 6 months to a year?
Stacy - How will this work with private property owners? A. They will benefit—shuttles to winery, to destinations, etc.
Doug - Would there be a revenue stream to the communities? A. Parties agree that there should be excess revenue to share with the community. Would like to see it be a public system.
Kevin - Are you considering a stop at the top of 92? A. For hiking, etc., yes. Would like it to be part of the coastal trail system. Would also like to link HMB HS and the college.
Joe - Are you related to Halliday? A. I know him, but not related. This is not a new idea. There was a system in Palo Alto, and there were systems used in mining. The advantage is these systems have a small footprint, so they are not invasive.
Ralph - How many people to a car? A. Can be up to 40, which could facilitate a rapid evacuation in the case of an emergency. The cars will be comfortable, climate controlled with WiFi. .
Ralph - What will be the cost for a ticket? A. About $25 for out of state and less to zero for residents and seniors. $12 would be the actual cost round trip. How much is charged would depend on the owner.
Parting thoughts: Highway 92 is maxed out, and its dangerous. This project would benefit HMB. Widening the road would not ease traffic. Minimal environmental impact. Get your streets back…They will benefit—shuttles to winery, to destinations, etc.
Notes from Joe:
Joe read his Ode to Liz (see the Ode in last week's FogHorn), who showed great leadership and welded her secret weapon, the cupcake.
Announcements
Please send your 10 cents/feedback to Liz asap. for any suggestions for next year for PF.
Doug and Stacy have sodas and waters left from PF - wheel and deal in the parking lot. They also have apples if anyone wants some.
Charise got the lucky ticket, but the unlucky marble.
Coming Soon
Heather volunteered to be the point person for the League of Women Voters speaker.
