Creating connections in the sky

For over a decade, Transport for London’s (TfL’s) Cable Car has been a fixture in the skyline, transporting passengers across the Thames. During Loneliness Awareness Week, two gondolas are transformed into Chatty Cabins, providing a safe and welcoming space for people to meet, chat, and build connections in a city experiencing an epidemic of loneliness. 

Travellers can book special cabins on the London Cable Car across the River Thames, where they are encouraged to chat. On the 20-minute round trip between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, passengers are free to talk about anything and everything, from cherished parts of the capital to their favourite ways to travel. The cabins provide a safe space where people feel free, with the scenery an easy conversation starter.

“A survey carried out by the Mayor’s office in 2022 estimated 700,000 Londoners  feel lonely all or some of the time. At TfL, we want to encourage connections and help people to recognise that they’re not alone,” said Fiona Jones, Head of London Cable Car at TfL. “Partnering with Marmalade Trust through Loneliness Awareness Week is a core part of our social value activities – helping us to fulfil our purpose as a good neighbour to Londoners.” 

Safe spaces

Inside the cabins, passengers can enjoy a few minutes respite from the noise and intensity of the city. “People choose to travel on the London Cable Car because they want a unique experience,” said Fiona. “It’s the perfect environment for people to chat and connect.”

There are 160 slots available across the week, with passengers having to book. Inside the cabin, travellers are treated to a free drink and given the freedom to chat about anything they choose.

The sessions fill up in minutes, with feedback from passengers universally positive. “It’s an opportunity for people who are local to one another, but who may never have met to spend some time together,” said Fiona. “We’ve seen these short moments of connection translate into longer lasting friendships.”

Social impact

TfL’s partnership with Marmalade Trust is part of its broader commitment to supporting Londoners. “At TfL, we have a strong focus on building social connections that align with the Mayor for London’s strategy for social integration,” said Fiona. “The Chatty Cabins initiative is hugely positive and popular, providing valuable opportunities for Londoners. Working with Marmalade Trust helps us to amplify the message, raising awareness of loneliness more widely.”

Chatty Cabins will return in 2026 to celebrate 10 years of Loneliness Awareness Week. It’s part of a whole range of activities across the week designed to help build connections. “We know that loneliness is a problem for Londoners, but people don’t need to feel alone,” said Fiona. “Events like Chatty Cabins and those organised by TfL and other partners during Loneliness Awareness Week are a small reminder that there’s support out there if you need it.”

Creating connections in the sky

For over a decade, the London Cable Car has been a fixture in the skyline, transporting passengers across the Thames. During Loneliness Awareness Week two gondolas are transformed into Chatty Cabins providing a safe and welcoming space for people to meet, chat, and build connections in a city experiencing an epidemic of loneliness. 

On the 20-minute round trip between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, passengers are free to talk about anything and everything, from cherished parts of the capital to their favourite ways to travel. The cabins provide a safe space where people feel free, with the scenery an easy conversation starter.

“A survey carried out by the Mayor’s office in 2022 estimated 700,000 Londoners  feel lonely all or some of the time. At Tfl, we want to encourage connections and help people to recognise that they’re not alone,” said Fiona Jones, Head of London Cable Car at Tfl. “Partnering with Marmalade Trust through Loneliness Awareness Week is a core part of our social value activities – helping us to fulfil our purpose as a good neighbour to Londoners.”

Tfl’s partnership with Marmalade Trust is part of its broader commitment to supporting Londoners. “At Tfl, we have a strong focus on building social connections that align with the Mayor for London’s strategy for social integration,” said Fiona. “The Chatty Cabins initiative is hugely positive and popular, providing valuable opportunities for Londoners. Working with Marmalade Trust helps us to amplify the message, raising awareness of loneliness more widely.”