This is an old revision of the document!

Transmicable….. TransMiCable is a cable car system in Bogota, Colombia, primarily designed to facilitate easier access for residents of Ciudad Bolívar from the mountaintop to the foot of the mountain. The cable cars utilize electrically driven cable technology, resulting in zero emissions and seamlessly integrating with Colombia's power grid (70% powered by renewable hydropower). Although the TransMiCable project in Bogotá has brought many positive impacts—such as easing traffic congestion and contributing to energy conservation and emission reduction through the use of electric-powered transport—it has also produced several negative effects on local residents. First, since its construction site is located in a high-risk landslide area, the building of the cable system and its supporting facilities (such as pylons and stations) has disturbed the terrain of these steep slopes, creating potential risks of soil erosion and vegetation loss. Although the damages have not been quantitatively measured, researchers have warned that “the area consists of undeveloped areas at high risk of landslides” (Natalia Rojas, 2020). This has, to some extent, affected the local ecological environment. Secondly, during operation, the cable car system has influenced residents’ daily lives. Nearby inhabitants reported feeling vibrations from the moving cabins, and the system’s lighting has also disturbed their living environment. In addition, the privacy of residents living on upper floors has been compromised, as the cable line passes close to their homes.(Natalia Rojas, 2020) TransMiCable forms part of Bogotá's integrated public transport system, having facilitated residents' journeys since its completion (TransMilenio S.A., 2018). However, behind the construction project—completed in just 26 months with a USD$100 million investment for the city's mass transit system (Maricio Osorio, 2019)—waste has been generated. This includes observable waste from vehicles and tyres post-completion, which cannot be overlooked. Indeed, the project's convenience has had negligible impact on compulsory activities (Cardona-Urrea, Soza-Parra and Ettema, 2025) and has not altered social structures or deeper societal aspects. While one cannot demand such outcomes from a transport project, it still warrants reflection on its underlying implications.

TransMilenio (2018). Abecé de TransMiCable. [online] TransMilenio. Available at: https://www.transmilenio.gov.co/publicaciones/151067/abece-de-transmicable/. Cardona-Urrea, S., Soza-Parra, J. and Ettema, D. (2025). Activity participation among disadvantaged communities and the impact of an aerial cable car: The case of TransMiCable, Bogotá. Cities, 169, p.106568. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2025.106568.