Singapore Cable Car History – 45 Years Of Singapore’s Iconic Attraction

The Singapore Cable Car (SCC) has played host to close to 57 million Singaporeans and foreign visitors since its inception. The iconic attraction transports visitors from the hustle and bustle of the city into a world of lush greenery and unique hilltop entertainment on Mount Faber, as well as to Sentosa – Singapore’s premier island resort. As they celebrate their 45 Years Anniversary this year, let us look back on the Singapore Cable Car History along its key milestones.

Singapore Cable Car History – 1974 – 1993: 1st Generation

The SCC was the brainchild of the late Dr Goh Keng Swee in 1970, then Minister of Finance, who wanted to improve the accessibility of the summit and the island. It was a hit amongst the locals when it first opened its doors in 1974, with Singaporeans accounting for three-quarters of the riders by its first year of inception.

Singapore Cable Car History – 1994 – 2008: 2nd Generation

The SCC rocketed to international fame through the 1970s and early 1980s, with the cable cars having their big break in 1979 as they appeared on a popular detective drama, Hawaii Five-O.

Snaking queues made up of locals and tourists were a frequent sight at the cable car stations. To raise its passenger capacity, the second generation of cabins was launched in 1994 to replace the old ones that had serviced passengers for more than two decades.

In addition to the quicker and steadier rides, audio commentaries about landmarks that were visible from the cabins were also rolled out in six languages. The second generation of cable cars also hosted diners for the first time with the introduction of Sky Dining, launched in time for Valentine’s Day.

Singapore Cable Car History – 1999 – 2008: 3rd Generation

To commemorate SCC’s 25th anniversary, six numbers of limited edition third-generation cabins were launched in 1999. It made history as the world’s first glass-bottom cable cars that offer unobstructed views of the harbour and seascape south of Singapore.

In 2004, the SCC organised the first endurance contest as part of its 30th-anniversary celebrations, where 66 participants stuck it out in the cabins for a week – with only ten minutes to visit the toilet every 24 hours!

Singapore Cable Car History – 2009 – today: 4th Generation

In 2009, the cable car system was revamped for the fourth time to rejuvenate the cable car experience. The fleet now comprises 67 LED-illuminated, sparkling metallic black and chrome cabins on a mono-cable ropeway that links Mount Faber to Harbourfront Towers and Sentosa Island.

The cabins feature added levels of comfort with windows that offer ultraviolet protection against tropical heat and humidity, with minimal obstruction to the all-around views.

This generation of cable cars also boasts the world’s first 7-Star Jewelled Cabin, which is decked with Swarovski crystals in its interior panels and the only one with glass bottom cabin, to deliver a touch of luxury to wow and impress passengers.

On 14 July 2015, the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network was launched with the opening of the Sentosa Line. This 890m link connects visitors to three main attraction clusters at Merlion Plaza, Imbiah Lookout and Siloso Point.