Metrocable (Medellín)
| Metrocable | |
|---|---|
| File:Metrocable.jpg | |
| Overview | |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Medellin, Colombia |
| Service | |
| Type | Aerial tramway |
| Operator(s) | Metro de Medellin |
| History | |
| Opened | 2006 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | Template:Ft to m |
| Character | Elevated |
| Operating speed | Template:Mph |
| Highest elevation | Template:Ft to m |
Metrocable is an aerial tramway system implemented by the local government of Medellin whose main function is to be a complementary service of Medellin's Metro. It is intended to reach the least developed suburban areas.
Medellin is a city located in the Aburra Valley and it is therefore surrounded by hills. Many of those hills are home of underdeveloped towns that because of their location have not been reached by Medellin's biggest mass transportation system Metro. Many of those towns are in fact located in very steep grounds to the extent that not even a regular bus system could be either useful or commercially profitable.
The Metrocable system is a branch of Medellin's metro and it is managed by Metro of Medellin. The system consists of cable cars connected to a fixed cable through means of a rolling wheel (called truck). The wheels roll on the haulage rope allowing the cabins to move at an average speed of 5 meters per second.
At the present time two lines have been built, the line J and line K. This lines currently serve Andalucia, Popular and Santo Domingo Savio.
Currently the system is in a trial stage since aerial tramways are not often used as mass transportation system, however they can be used as such. A good example of this system is the Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York. So far, the system has been received with enthusiasm by the locals and another line serving the town of Pajarito is being planned for construction.
One of the disadvantages of trams are the risk inherent to power outages. In case a hazard or an emergency it is not possible to exit the cabins. Medellin metro is approaching this problem by providing a communication system in every tram should an emergency occur.