Hundreds of guests stranded overnight after Palm Springs Aerial Tramway stoppage

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  - Hundreds of visitors were stranded overnight at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway after an unexpected stoppage Friday evening forced operations to halt for hours, according to tramway officials.

News Channel 3 first reported on the Tramway's technical issues last week.

Greg Purdy, VP of Marketing & Public Affairs, said the stoppage happened around 8 p.m. on January 2.

"Operations were suspended and the six passengers waiting to board (to go up) were provided refunds," Purdy said. "At that time, 568 guests were already at the Mountain Station."

Per Tramway stoppage procedures, boarding tokens were distributed so guests would not have to stand in line.

"Also, per stoppage procedures, complimentary beverages were provided within the first hour and complimentary food was provided within the second hour," Purdy said. "Blankets and children’s coloring books were also provided."

Still, some visitors reached out to News Channel 3 describing a confusing and stressful night with little communication.

Amanda Ferrise said she and her family boarded the 7 p.m. tram.

When they were ready to leave, she said they were told the wait to descend would be less than an hour. Instead, they remained at the Mountain Station until nearly 3 a.m.

"There was no broad announcement of what was happening or how long it would be or anything to that effect," Ferrise said. "We started seeing people getting comfortable, children laying on the floor."

Purdy said that at approximately 12:30 a.m., the system was deemed safe to operate at a reduced speed.

"Patrons began being transported to the Valley Station with the final tram car departing at 4:30 a.m.," Purdy said. "Refunds were offered by calling the marketing office. The Tramway remained closed on January 3 while the Tram Systems team continued to investigate and make all necessary repairs. After extensive testing, normal operations resumed at 8:00 a.m. on January 4."

Ferrise said the process of getting down was chaotic, with crowding and confusion as groups were called.

"We were supposed to go by letter groups, but there was no enforcement of lines," Ferrise said. "People started pushing their way through"

She added the ride down was closer to 30 to 45 minutes.

Purdy apologized for the delay and emphasized safety as their top priority.

"We regret the long delay in returning to the Valley Station that night and hope our visitors understand that safety is always the overriding concern with tramway operations," Purdy said.