Political determinants and impact analysis of using a cable system as a complement to an urban transport system
Diego Escobar-García, Francisco García-Orozco & Carlos Cadena Gaitan
#2013-017
The construction of cable-propelled systems, fully integrated to urban
public transport systems, has become an innovative trend in recent years
for some Colombian cities. The most prominent examples include the
cities of Medellín and Manizales, where these infrastructures have been
built and running for several years. In fact, it should be highlighted
that Manizales hosted, during the first half of the 20th century, the
longest cable system in the world, which operated for nearly 40 years
and was a cornerstone in the development of the region. This historic
cable enabled the transportation of large shipments of coffee to the
Magdalena River, to be exported across the world.
In this paper we provide a thorough assessment of the current cable
system in Manizales. We evaluate its costs in a comparative perspective
against the impacts generated by the system, via time savings in daily
travel. Due to its full integration with the public transport system, we
also provide empirical evidence of the related passenger demand
variability.
Upon the implementation of the first cable system, additional similar
projects have been initiated. We provide insights into a cable system
designed and being built for recreation, and describe the planning
process for the most recent public transport cable system being
designed. All these systems are evaluated from the supply-side,
measuring accessibility, from the demand-side, modelling the complete
urban transport system for the city, and from the political side,
describing the determinants of the decisions that ultimately stimulate
the implementation of these projects in sustainable mobility.
Based on the results obtained, we offer conclusions regarding the actual
competitiveness of cable-propelled systems, arguing that they should be
considered valid urban passenger transport solutions.
Keywords: Accessibility, impact of transport modes, cable propelled
system, transport innovation.
JEL Classification: R41 and R42