Submitted by D_Empire412 t3_10jby8j in jerseycity
Exchange Place - WTC is probably the most traveled pair of two PATH stations that are only one stop apart. Whether it's people needing to transfer from the HBLR at Exchange Place to one of the many MTA subway lines connected to WTC, finance workers needing to go to meetings in the different areas, or Exchange Place residents, the Exchange Place - WTC rail connection is vital, and taking only around three minutes, it's great for quickly getting where you need to go. However, during weekends, late nights, and off-peak times, trains run nowhere near as frequently and are often very crowded as a result. Should there be a direct shuttle line between Exchange Place and WTC like the Times Square shuttle? I think so, but the problem is that another train running on the same tracks will slow things down, and Exchange Place was not designed as a terminal station.
A few people on this subreddit have entertained the idea of a gondola lift and at first, I thought it wouldn't be a good idea, but now, I have a plan for how it could work such that there wouldn't be two unsightly towers on either side of the river and the approach wouldn't have to start super inland. This plan would take advantage of the existing tall buildings in the area. At the Exchange Place Center, at around the 25th floor, there could be a landing site for this tram. This "station" would be fully indoors with a great view to distract you from the waiting. One or two of the elevators would be programmed to go express to this floor. When the tram comes, it would park right into a new docking station, attached to the side of the building, with screen doors to enter the tram from inside the building. On the other side, a similar thing could be done at Brookfield Place, where passengers could easily connect to the WTC complex. I believe this proposal could work as it would be way cheaper than a new bridge or tunnel and wouldn't affect the view that much. Plus, the views from the tram and the "stations" would be incredible.
Blecher_onthe_Hudson t1_j5n2725 wrote
Guess you never went to engineering school. I didn't either but I've been around reality a while. These buildings were not designed to carry a massive side load like those cables simply attached to their middles. Cables are always terminated at the ground on an angle so the tower load is mostly vertical, not sideways. And it would need to be far higher than the 25th floor, it needs 230 ft clearance in the middle, and the cables sag.
Not to mention these are private properties that might not take kindly to your brilliant idea.