COME next year, the sky between Mount Faber and Sentosa will be lit up with 68 sparkling cable cars, including one adorned with Austrian Swarovski crystals - a first in the world.
Plans to replace the existing cable-car system at the Mount Faber Jewel Box were unveiled yesterday.
The $36-million revamp, which will start in August and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of next year, will feature 67 glittering cabins, giving the impression of stars against the night sky.
The 7* VIP Jewelled Cabin boasts a DVD player, a fridge and a high-end Bose sound system.
The four-seater cabin will have a glass-enhanced crystal floor and black-leather upholstery with embedded crystals.
The revamp, said Mount Faber Leisure Group chief executive Susan Teh, is "in line with the strategic development plan for The Jewel Box", which also houses restaurants.
"It is part of our business strategy to prepare ourselves to cater to the ever-changing appetite of the tourism and leisure industry for the next decade of the 21st century," she said.
The new system is expected to attract 1.7 million riders - a 10 to 15 per cent increase from the average ridership numbers.
Unlike the current cabins - introduced in the last revamp in 1999 - the new cable cars will be wheelchair friendly.
A ride currently costs between $18 and $21. Mount Faber Leisure Group said it is still studying whether prices will be raised after the revamp.
From now until Aug 15, the date the system closes, children aged under 12 will get to ride the cable cars for free, as part of celebrations for the system's 35th anniversary.
darylldj@sph.com.sg
CURRENT SYSTEM
81 smaller coloured cabins with a seating capacity of six
1 regular VIP cabin for rental for private parties and sky dining
Operates at a height of about 90m and on a bi-cable system
No easy wheelchair and pram access
SOUPED-UP FACILITIES
67 bigger, sparkling LED-fitted cabins with a seating capacity of eight
World's first 7* VIP Jewelled Cabin decorated with Swarovski crystals
Operates at a height of 110m (due to bigger cabins) and on a mono-cable system
Easy wheelchair and pram access
