I think the gondola should move faster when a citizen is on it.

<hums>

It wants to work harder for it's citizens. It told me.

<nods>

Cetacea

Maybe a solution would be to include a rope in both sides that riders could pull on to help the gondola along (ala the ferry in Knight's Tale). More strength=less rt similar to the mangonels on the boats. However, it would still have to move on it's own accord to accomodate those who do not wish to pull.

Maulem~Riverhaven boar farmer