I saw an interesting TEDx presentation by Jared Ficklin pertaining to gondola systems as mass transit in a cit and how to get the American public to buy into it[0]. [0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoQmgSOB9n0
This proposal was for a way to solve Austin's traffic problems. Given the geography around here (hills, lakes, NIMBYs), I think it's a plausible solution. But it looks like the city council is going to put streetcars (urban rail) on the ballot at a starting cost of $600 million.
He gave the presentation in Kansas City during a big push for streetcars. The streetcars are happening, and as far as I know the people in charge didn't give any attention to the gondola solution. I live outside of the city proper, so I haven't been following it too closely, but I do know that the streetcar is very expensive and that votes for expansion have already failed.