The Cablebus in Mexico City has significantly transformed commutes for its residents. Since its inauguration three years ago, it has become the longest cable car line in the world, moving around 80,000 people per day. The main purpose of this aerial transport system is to connect isolated working-class neighborhoods with other transportation systems like the subway.
Prior to the Cablebus, trips from these areas could take up to an hour and a half by bus or taxi. However, thanks to the Cablebus, travel times have been reduced dramatically. For example, Leonardo Flores now takes only 20 minutes to get to the Indios Verdes subway station from his home, compared to an hour and 20 minutes previously.
The government has recognized the success of the Cablebus and is expanding it quickly. A third line was inaugurated recently by President Claudia Sheinbaum, which will travel from the southwest of the city to Chapultepec park. The incoming administration has also pledged to start planning a fourth line soon.
While some critics worry that the new lines are being added too quickly and in lieu of needed expansions to the subway, many residents have been effusive about the Cablebus’s impact. For instance, Claudia Garcia, a 20-year-old university student who works in a clothing store, said that the Cablebus has changed her life by allowing her to sleep more in the morning and have fun at nights.
The Cablebus was inaugurated by Mayor Sheinbaum in 2021 and follows in the footsteps of other Latin American cities like Medellin, Colombia, and La Paz, Bolivia, which adopted aerial transportation over the last two decades. The cable cars have proven to be cost-effective and energy efficient, with most systems moving between 15,000 and 40,000 people a day.
Mexico City’s initiative sets a precedent for its user capacity, with the Cablebus moving between 70,000 and 80,000 people a day, which is comparable to the capacity of a subway line in some cities. Andres Lajous, Mexico City’s former mobility minister, said that adding subways or buses in areas with such dense populations and narrow streets would have been very complicated if not impossible.
The Cablebus has been successful in several ways since its inception. Firstly, it was built in highly populated areas with significant poverty rates, making it a valuable public transportation option for residents. Additionally, the system connects with other forms of public transportation such as the subway and bus network.
Each cable car has a capacity of ten people and operates on a continuous loop. Although cars can become crowded during rush hour, users report shorter wait times compared to other transit systems.
A safe place
Some riders have praised the Cablebus for its safety features, citing reduced crime rates in comparison to buses. For instance, Juli Martinez Jimenez, a Line 1 user, has never experienced theft or harassment on the cable car system. In fact, she appreciates the presence of an employee at each station and a policeman nearby.
Similarly, Gisela Mendez, founder of Ensamble Urbano, highlights that women’s safety is improved on the Cablebus compared to other transport systems. The system has designated pink seat zones for women, which reduces harassment and violence against them. Access areas are controlled, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter the cabins.
The constant availability of cable cars has benefited women who don’t have formal jobs and often travel at different times than rush hour. Mendez notes that transportation systems tend to be designed with a gender bias, neglecting the diverse needs of users. The Cablebus addresses this issue by providing 24-hour service.
After the system’s opening, neighborhoods surrounding its main stations have undergone significant transformations. Most stations feature glass walls that illuminate the surrounding blocks at night, contributing to their safety. Additionally, more shops, sports facilities, and cultural centers have emerged around the stations, making them vibrant community hubs.
At Campos Revolucion on Line 1, what was once a dirt soccer field has been transformed into an artificial grass field suitable for soccer games. A basketball court and a cultural center offering dance classes have also been added.
In Iztapalapa, the Cablebus has led to the creation of thousands of public art pieces, including rooftop murals depicting influential Mexicans and animals. While some residents appreciate these improvements, they also emphasize the need to extend them beyond the vicinity of cable car stations.
Karla Alfonzo, a resident of Cuautepec, suggests that the city should focus on improving security throughout her neighborhood, which remains dangerous despite the Cablebus’s presence. She also recommends fixing sports facilities in the entire neighborhood, not just near the cable car station.
In Tlalpexco, one of the last stations on Line 1, the Cablebus has led to an increase in children attending Pilares, a public program offering cultural, sports, and educational activities. The teacher at this location credits the cable car system for bringing more people and improving security in the area. As a result, Tlalpexco has become a prominent educational center.
In summary, the Cablebus has been successful in addressing transportation needs in highly populated areas with significant poverty rates. Its safety features have reduced crime rates compared to other transport systems, especially for women. The system’s constant availability and connection to other forms of public transportation make it an essential option for residents.
The neighborhoods surrounding cable car stations have undergone transformations, featuring improved lighting, sports facilities, and cultural centers. While some residents appreciate these improvements, others emphasize the need to extend them beyond the vicinity of cable car stations.
Overall, the Cablebus has had a positive impact on Mexico City’s transportation infrastructure and its communities, addressing various needs and promoting development in previously marginalized areas.
Source: Bloomberg
