Antananarivo, Madagascar – A unique cable car system launched in Madagascar's capital with the aim of easing severe traffic congestion has largely failed to gain traction with commuters, largely due to its high cost relative to local incomes. The system, which cost approximately $173 million and was financed through loans from France, was intended to lift thousands of residents above the city's notorious gridlock.
The project was a signature initiative of former President Andry Rajoelina, who promoted it as a modern solution to the daily traffic jams caused by aging and overcrowded minibus taxis. Rajoelina argued that light rail was not feasible due to the capital's marshy terrain. "Antananarivo was built for 300,000 inhabitants. Now there are three million of us," he stated upon the system's unveiling in 2024, comparing its opening to France's construction of the Eiffel Tower.
Officials projected the cable cars could transport up to 75,000 people daily, remove 2,000 vehicles from the roads, and reduce commute times from as long as three hours to between 10 and 30 minutes. However, few residents have utilized the service.
Affordability and Unmet Needs
The primary obstacle has been affordability. Trip fees were set between 70 and 90 U.S. cents, a cost six to eight times higher than that of a minibus ride. This is a significant burden in a country where the average monthly salary for a commuter was around $72 in 2022, according to the World Bank. Approximately 75% of Madagascar's 30 million population lives in poverty.
Public transport planning consultant Pieter Onderwater noted that the financial constraints faced by many in Africa were likely underestimated by both the Malagasy government and the French developers. "Obviously people will not use it because money is far more key than time," Onderwater said. "The price is six times higher than a conventional (minibus) taxi? Well then, we just sit in traffic because we know better things to do with that money."
Beyond cost, the cable car project also faced criticism from residents who felt their needs for basic services like water and electricity were not being met. Concerns about the system's reliability, particularly in relation to frequent electricity outages that often halted operations, were also raised. "In a city where they cannot even fix the roads, how can we trust being more than 20 meters (65 feet) above the ground when there is a power cut?" asked Erica, an Antananarivo shop owner.
During the political coup that led to Rajoelina's ouster, some cable car stations were damaged by fire, with some citizens expressing anger over what they perceived as a government disconnected from their immediate needs.
Broader Urbanization Challenges
Antananarivo's population has grown more than tenfold since the 1960s, reflecting a broader trend of rapid urbanization across Africa. The continent's urban population is expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2050, increasing the demand for public transport and essential services. Despite this growth, Africa possesses some of the world's least developed public transport systems.
Experts suggest that African governments have largely relied on the private sector for transport solutions, which has led to the prevalence of informal minibus services. While these services are affordable, they contribute to congestion and are often aging and overcrowded.
A consortium that built the cable car system conducted an inspection in March and has submitted its findings to Malagasy authorities, who will decide on the next steps. The current transitional government has not outlined any plans for the cable cars. Meanwhile, commuting in the capital continues to be a daily challenge for its residents, many of whom find the cable cars do not meet their specific travel needs, such as reaching the city center.