Singapore's cable car rides to close for S$36m overhaul
By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 27 April 2009 1829 hrs

	Photos  of

SINGAPORE: The view off Singapore's Harbour Front is going to change as the cable cars stop moving for a S$36m overhaul later this year.

Mount Faber Leisure Group is investing in a whole new cable car system which will see 67 new cable car cabins, as well as a Swarovski-encrusted VIP cabin.

As part of the changes, the cable car rides will be rebranded as jewel rides. The project will start in the third quarter of 2009 and is scheduled for completion by the second quarter of 2010.

The company hopes to increase annual ridership by 10 to 15 per cent to 1.7 million visitors when it opens around the same time as other new attractions in the integrated resort nearby.

It has not set a price for a ride on the new cable car yet - except to say current prices are about S$20 round-trip, and it wants to stay competitive.

Alstib Manik, Operations, Mount Faber Leisure Group, said: "We are confident that there will be a rebound in the economy and also an increase in visitorship due to the anticipated opening of the integrated resorts next year."

Speaking at the event to announce the cable car ride revamp, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran urged companies to continue investing in tourism infrastructure, despite the slump in visitor arrivals.

He said: "If you wait until the recovery comes before you start investing, it'll probably be too late. And you'll probably not be able to catch the surge when it comes again."

From now until August 15, you can catch a nostalgic ride on the old cable cars, while children under 12 go for free.

During the upgrading works, business at the Jewel Box will not be affected. Guests will also be able to make use of a free shuttle service that travels between Sentosa and the Jewel Box.

- CNA/yt