Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, has implemented a new public transportation system.
President Andriy Rajoelina, local authorities, and project contractors were among those who rode the inaugural cable car in Antananarivo.
These cable cars can transport up to 75,000 passengers each day and are intended to reduce traffic congestion in Antananarivo, which presently has a population of more than 3 million.
According to Gérard Andriamanohisoa, the Presidency’s Secretary of State for New Towns and Housing, “removing 75,000 passengers per day at bus level, and 2,000 cars at Tana road level, is already a lot in terms of carbon savings and mobility.”
Given that tickets are nearly one euro each, a lot of individuals in Madagascar believe they are beyond their means. In addition, this fare is six times more costly than a bus ticket.
Some residents of the capital are not happy, claiming that before installing cable cars, problems like electricity and water outages ought to have been resolved.
President Rajoelina has staunchly defended the project despite accusations that it increases Madagascar’s debt to France, the former colonial power.
The government said a subsidized fare is planned for students and pensioners.
The cars will not be put into circulation for the general public until 2025.
