Denver Unveils $350M Gondola Transit Plan for Downtown

Businessman proposes network of aerial gondolas to connect key landmarks and ease congestion.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:07am

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting a sweeping, airbrushed cityscape with towering, streamlined gondola cabins gliding through the air above the urban landscape.A conceptual rendering of Denver's proposed downtown gondola network, envisioned as a bold, futuristic transportation solution to connect key landmarks and ease congestion.Denver Today

A local businessman has presented a $350 million plan to build an extensive gondola transit system in downtown Denver, with cabins that would carry up to six passengers 30 feet above the streets and connect major landmarks like Union Station, Civic Center, and Coors Field.

Why it matters

The proposed gondola network aims to provide an innovative transportation solution for downtown Denver, addressing challenges posed by highways, rivers, railroads, and topography that make other transit options less feasible. If implemented, the gondolas could help alleviate congestion, improve connectivity, and potentially become a tourist attraction.

The details

The plan, presented by Ryan Ross of New Downtown Denver, envisions three loops of gondola cabins with 14 stops, including links between Union Station, Civic Center, the Auraria campus, Elitch Gardens, and a potential future Broncos stadium site. The cabins would travel at speeds of 25-35 mph, allowing passengers to hail rides through a mobile app and customize their journeys.

  • The public presentation of the gondola plan is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, 2026 at 6 p.m.
  • Five years ago, the city's transportation department considered a gondola concept linking downtown to the Highland neighborhood.

The players

Ryan Ross

Director of New Downtown Denver and president of a local investigations firm, who proposed the $350 million gondola transit plan.

Riley LaMie

Planner with the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, who previously studied the feasibility of a gondola connecting downtown to the Highland neighborhood.

Doppelmayr, Leitner-Poma, and Vuba

Manufacturers who will present more details about the proposed "automated elevated transit network" at the public event.

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What they’re saying

“The cool factor is off the charts. The gondola system is like a ride-hailing car system in the air. You get to ride-hail your own cabin. It can seat up to six. You'd enter into your phone where you want to go.”

— Ryan Ross, Director of New Downtown Denver

“This was proposed as a transit solution because of the highway, river, railroad, and topography changes that are all in close proximity to each other.”

— Riley LaMie, Planner, Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure

What’s next

The public presentation on Tuesday evening will provide more details about the proposed gondola network, including potential benefits, feasibility, and comparisons to other transit options. The city will then need to evaluate the plan and determine if it wants to move forward with further study or implementation.

The takeaway

Denver's consideration of an extensive downtown gondola system highlights the city's ongoing efforts to find innovative transportation solutions that can address the unique geographic and infrastructure challenges of its urban core. If realized, the gondolas could become a distinctive feature of the city's skyline and transportation network.