Up, Up and Away! Spectacular views of East London from the new London Cable Car.

All aboard, the new London cable car! 2012 is the year of innovation in the capital, as the UK’s first urban cable car opens to the public. London is famous for its transportation, in particular the iconic underground logo; the Thames cable car offers the London transport system something a little bit different, just in time for the Olympics.

The UK's first cable car takes off just in time for the Olympics. (Photo Credit: Getty Images).

Sponsored by Emirates Air Line, the new London cable car transports Londoners one kilometre across the River Thames, offering a connecting service between two newly constructed terminals at Greenwich Peninsula by the O2 and the Royal Docks, beside the ExCeL conference centre. The Cable Car will be of great benefit during the 2012 Olympic Games and it is hoped that it will ease pressure on the London transport system as an extra 1 million enter the capital. There are 34 cabins, transporting 2,500 people per hour, travelling at an incredible 90 meters above ground level – this is the equivalent of 30 double decker buses at full capacity! Emirates, offering £36million of the total £60million cost, largely funded the project – they retain the legal retain rights over the name for the next ten years and will have their name incorporated onto London tube maps. Journeys made during peak hours will take five minutes, whilst off peak journeys will take ten minutes at a cost of £3.60 on an Oyster Card or £16 for ten journeys.

Boris Johnson, our Mayor of London has heralded the new urban cable car as “a stunning addition to London’s transport network, providing a much-needed new connection across the Thames” – upon the launch of the service, Johnson stated that his trip across the Thames made him feel like Yuri Gagarin, the Russian cosmonaut. It is understood that the Thames cable car is the first step in a scheme to revive the areas it covers, providing hundreds of jobs and stimulating growth over the next ten years.

Boris Johnson discussing the new Thames Cable Car.

Whilst the London Cable Car offers a new and exciting means of transport, Boris Johnson hasdescribed the view as “staggeringly beautiful”.  On the northward journey, expect views of London City Airport, Royal Victoria Dock and the Thames Barrier. The journey back down south is what you should be looking forward to though: passengers can expect spectacular views of the O2, Canary Wharf, the City, Greenwich and the Shard, all set out upon an urban canvas. So not only is the Thames Cable Car a viable and useful means of transport - it is an opportunity for Londoners and visitors alike to experience 360-degree views of the capital at a low cost.

The Emirates Cable Car opened for service on the 28th June 2012, just in time for the Olympics – it will serve three venues south of the river, as well as offering a link to the Olympic Park in the north. If you’re planning on spending the summer in London, have a look at Boutique London Lets properties in the Docklands area – a great last minute rental opportunity for London 2012 Olympics.