Impact of aerial cable car in low-income area in Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

In this study, we examine the effect of Metrocable cable-car projects and their socio-economic and spatial scope in Comuna 1 by two questionnaire surveys administered to residents and Metrocable passengers. We found that Metrocable commuters are saving time and money. Women in the low socio-economic class who live near a Metrocable station and work at safe Comunas with a train station likely use Metrocable for commuting. In addition, the installation of Metrocable in 2004 facilitated vocational job changes, which have led to higher incomes. However, it must be noted that the lowest income and education classes rarely use Metrocable for commuting. Besides, our research revealed Metrocable has not influenced the amount of crime in the neighborhood area in the last decade, which was perceived as an effect of passengers viewing crime from the air, but it has increased the passengers’ senses of pride about their neighborhood. As a part of the integrated urban project (PUI), the CEDEZO, and España Library are mainly used by women with higher educational background.