Madagascar's capital spent millions on a cable car system for commuters

Key Points:

• Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, introduced a $170 million cable car system intended to alleviate severe traffic congestion, but it operated for only a few weeks before becoming unused due to affordability and operational issues.
• The cable cars, promoted by former President Andry Rajoelina, were priced at 70 to 90 U.S. cents per trip—six to eight times more expensive than minibus taxis—making them unaffordable for many residents in a country where 75% live in poverty and average monthly salaries are low.
• Residents criticized the project for prioritizing the cable cars over basic public services like water and electricity, and concerns about safety during power outages and storms further deterred usage.
• The cable car system suffered damage during a military coup that ousted Rajoelina, and the transitional government has not announced any plans for its future, while a consortium that built the system has submitted inspection findings to authorities.
• The situation highlights broader challenges in rapidly urbanizing African cities, where public transport infrastructure struggles to keep pace with population growth and affordability remains a critical barrier.