In Latin America, cities and metropolis with high population density and structural inequalities pose obstacles to accessibility and mobility for their citizens. In addition, a third characteristic or factor in some cities increases the impact of the two previous variables: irregular topography and height (mountains, hills, valleys). The Inter-American Development Bank -see link- highlights the importance of the development of overhead cables integrated to mass transportation and the substantial improvement of pedestrian infrastructure.
The first system in the region was implemented in the city of Medellin, in 2004. A total of nine more overhead cables are currently in operation in the cities of Bogota, Manizales, Cali and Pereira (in Colombia); Caracas and Merida (in Venezuela); in La Paz-El Alto (Bolivia); Rio de Janeiro (in Brazil), and Ecatepec de Morelos (in Mexico). And in Guayaquil and Mexico City, they are in the work phase.
Some indicators that show a positive evolution in the implementation of overhead cable systems are: city integration; reduction of travel times; widening of access to services for more vulnerable and remote populations; reduction of environmental impacts.
Overhead cables have become an alternative for sustainable mobility and accessibility for thousands of citizens. It is necessary to think of different policies that can respond to the reduction of inequalities from the urban transportation systems, through community participation and public-private cooperation.
