Andry Rajoelina's $170 million cable car system in Madagascar's capital faces low usage due to high costs.
The cable car system in Antananarivo, Madagascar, is currently underutilized despite a $173 million investment. Former President Andry Rajoelina promoted the project as a landmark transit solution to bypass the city's heavy traffic and marshy terrain. However, the system faces significant hurdles regarding affordability and reliability. While the cable cars were designed to carry 75,000 people daily, the cost per trip is six to eight times higher than the standard minibus taxi. For a population where 75% of the people live in poverty, the high fare remains a barrier for most commuters. Additionally, residents have expressed concerns over the lack of basic services like water and electricity, questioning the priority of the cable car project. Public transport planning consultant Pieter Onderwater noted that for many people in a poor continent, money is often more important than convenience. The transitional government led by Michael Randrianirina has yet to determine the next steps for the system's future.