30 Jun 2012

London cable car lifts off

7:11 am on 30 June 2012

London's first cable car service has opened its doors to the public, a spectacular ride high across the River Thames near the Olympic Park which will help Games visitors avoid any jams on the ground.

Called the Emirates Air Line, it soars almost 300 feet above the river, offering 360-degree views of the east of the capital including the O2 concert Arena and the Canary Wharf financial district.

The cable cars have the capacity to carry up to 2,500 people an hour in each direction - the equivalent to 30 buses - and take five minutes to cross the river.