The cable car system known as Mi Teleférico is a primary mode of transportation for the inhabitants of La Paz, a city in Bolivia.
Traveling in a fanciful mode of transport, several meters high above in the air can be thought of as a fun indulgence while on a holiday. However, in La Paz, a city in Bolivia, a country in central South America, the cable car system known as Mi Teleférico is a primary mode of transportation for the inhabitants of the city.
Located on the Andes mountains, La Paz, at more than 3,500m, is the highest administrative capital in the world. And on top of that, the cables of Mi Teleférico, which means 'My Cable Car' are laid more than 300 metres above the ground. It is the only way to link the distant and desperate neighbouring cities with each other.
Subway In The Sky
Nicknamed as the 'Subway in the sky', the Guinness Book of World records has recognised it as the highest and longest urban cable car system in the world. More importantly, this transportation system is a big hit with the 1.5 billion potential users of the city. Apart from the convenience that it provides, the cable car has emerged as a symbol of unity between Bolivia’s indigenous poor and mestizo middle class.
Flying Above The Rest
Before the advent of teleférico, a highway between the two populations was the main route for decades. Over the years the route was increasingly becoming polluted, noisy, and congested.
Now, commuters have an option of literally soaring above the commotion of the city and cruising at an average speed of 18 km/h, through the air on any one of the three cables lines coloured red, yellow and green — each representing the three colours of the national flag.
Cheap Flights
If you are wondering that this should make transportation a costly affair, think again. Each ride is priced at 3 bolivianos (31 pence; 31.5 INR), with special discounts for students on the elderly. One can avail cable car every 12 seconds and the service is available for 17 hours a day. The operation is quite similar to that of a subway system but additionally with a spectacular view.
It's eco-friendly too, with solar panels on each cars powering the doors, lights and Wi-Fi.
Popular Move
Within a very short period, Mi Teleférico has become very popular. Initially it used to cover a distance of 10 kilometres and had eleven stations. As of now the service encompasses 30.6 kilometres and includes 36 stops, including transfer stations, spread across 10 lines.
