Cities
Parcel delivery by cable car: Koblenz tests new method
Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, DHL, and the Koblenz cable car operator (Germany) are conducting a field trial to explore whether parcels can be delivered by cable car to a new residential area being developed on the site of the former Fritzsch military barracks above the city. The project is called “Skyfreight.”
Cable Car Delivery Process
Here’s how project participants envision the potential transport system. Uphill Delivery: Couriers load packages into cable car cabins at the valley station near Deutsches Eck (Koblenz’s iconic landmark). At the hilltop station, parcels are unloaded and delivered to the residential area by drivers using e-bikes.
Downhill Returns: Return shipments are collected via e-bike and brought to the hilltop station. They are then loaded into the cable car and transported back to the valley station for processing.
Some research questions scientists are investigating:
- How much time is needed to load packages into the cable car cabins?
- How do passengers react to sharing space with cargo?
- Does it make a difference if packages are loaded first, or should passengers have priority?
Research focus
Currently, this is only a research project aimed at exploring how cargo and passenger transport can be effectively combined.
“How much time does it take to load packages into the cabins? What do passengers think? These are some of the key questions we’re examining,” explains Prof. Dr. Dirk Wollenweber.
One area of study is whether it makes a difference if packages are loaded first or if passengers are given priority.
A mathematics team at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, along with students, is currently simulating queue formation and dynamics. The goal is to develop a guideline for cargo transport that could serve as a model for other urban cable car systems.
Peter Magnus, Operations Manager of Koblenz cable car operator: “For us, the Skyfreight project is an exciting step beyond conventional passenger transport. Together with our partners, we’re reimagining urban mobility – making it more efficient, sustainable, and versatile.”
Benefits for the city
Researchers highlight several advantages of this transport solution. It could reduce road traffic: The cable car significantly decreases delivery vehicle congestion in Koblenz, as vans no longer need to climb to the elevated residential area.
In addition DHL and other carriers cut emissions, making last-mile logistics greener. It‘s also about optimizing resources: The cable cars, already powered by renewable energy, achieve better capacity utilization by transporting both goods and people.
