Gondola

Cable Cars are a gimmick found in Hill Top Zone of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and later referenced in the Sonic Generations version of Rooftop Run. This device allows Sonic to cross large chasms and lava pits, collecting rings along the way. The cable cars detatch and fall off at the end of the line, so Sonic has to be quick exiting them.

Trivia

 * The rope ziplines in Angel Island Zone and Launch Base Zone in Sonic 3 work in a similar manner to the cable cars.