The impact of a new aerial cable-car project on accessibility and CO2 emissions considering socioeconomic stratum. A case study in Colombia

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2022-03, Vol.340, p.130802, Article 130802
• Main Authors: Escobar G, Diego A., Sarache, William, Jiménez-Riaño, Erick
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerial cable-car; CO2 emissions; Geographic accessibility; Urban transportation systems
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130802

Among the strategies employed to reduce polluting emissions and improve accessibility in cities is the adoption of aerial cable-car transportation systems. The location of aerial cable-car stations generates positive effects on both accessibility (travel time) and the environment (CO2 emissions). However, to a large extent, said performance depends on the socioeconomic stratum of the population living in the area of influence. There are many investigations related to polluting emissions and accessibility in transportation systems, but few studies related directly to aerial cable-cars were identified. Further, in the literature, no studies were found addressing the impact of a new urban aerial cable-car projects on accessibility and CO2 emissions, as a result of the transfer from a traditional mode of transport to a new aerial cable-car system, considering the socioeconomic condition of inhabitants. This article therefore evaluates the impact of the implementation of a new aerial cable-car system, in terms of geographic accessibility (contour measures) and CO2 emission reduction, in a case study in Colombia. Its novelty lies in the use of transport offer models to define the area of the city that would be affected by the modal shift, considering variations linked to socioeconomic stratum. The results indicate that the new aerial cable-car system would generate a savings of up to 10% in average travel time, with a greater impact on populations with lower socioeconomic stratum. Although the CO2 emission reduction would be 21%, relevant differences are observed, in accordance with socioeconomic stratum. •The impact of a new aerial cable-car project is assessed.•The relationship between accessibility and CO2 emission reductions is analyzed.•Socioeconomic stratum was considered to evaluate the aerial cable-car impact.•Valuable information is provided to support decision-making in urban planning.