Madagascar's $173 Million Cable Car System Remains Unused

A $173 million cable car system in Antananarivo remains largely unused after operating for only a few weeks. Former President Andry Rajoelina inaugurated the project in 2024 to bypass marshlands and reduce extreme traffic gridlock, noting that the city was built for 300,000 people but now houses three million.

The system failed primarily because fares, ranging from 70 to 90 U.S. cents per trip, are six to eight times more expensive than minibus taxis. These costs are prohibitive for the average commuter, who earns approximately $72 per month. The project also fueled public resentment as citizens criticized the government for prioritizing expensive transit over essential services like electricity and water.

Following a military coup late last year, Andry Rajoelina was deposed and replaced by a transitional government led by Michael Randrianirina. Some cable car stations were damaged during the unrest. While a French-led consortium inspected the system in March and submitted findings to the state, the current government has not announced a plan for the system's future.