After 35 years of service, the iconic 2S installation linking Singapore's mainland with Sentosa Island was beginning to show its age. Besides, the modernization was necessary to accommodate the huge increase in passenger traffic: every month, one million tourists visit Singapore.

The gondola lift has three stations. The drive station is located on Mount Faber, a hill covered in lush tropical vegetation on the mainland. The intermediate station is situated on level 15 of HarbourFront Tower Two. Close by is the VivoCity shopping mall with subway connection, a large number of bus stops and the terminus of the Sentosa Express monorail. The final station is located on Sentosa Island. The gondolas have large panoramic windows and tables are provided in the cabin for evening Sky Dining™. These can be readily fixed in place and removed.

The 7-Star VIP Jeweled Cabin is encrusted with Swarovski crystals inside and out. It also has a crystal panel glass floor, leather upholstered seats, a mini-bar and an iPod/iPhone docking station with sound system. The cable car operators are convinced that they will be carrying up to 1.7 million passengers a year in the foreseeable future. The Jewel LEDs of the gondolas sparkle like gems against the night sky – inspiring the name Jewel Cable Car Ride.