Reducing social exclusion in highly disadvantaged districts in Medellín, Colombia, through the provision of a cable-car

Abstract

Recent research has shown that increasing trip making and improving a person's social capital and sense of community is likely to reduce risks of social exclusion, and increase wellbeing. This, and most other related research on social exclusion, has been undertaken in countries with developed economies. This paper examines some of these relationships within a developing economy, where social exclusion is likely to be more widespread, using secondary data. It examines two districts in Medellin, Colombia, which are historically marginalised, with considerable poverty and also suffering from substantial drug-related violence. The focus is on the role of Metrocable, an aerial cable-car public transport system built to improve transport options in the area's steep terrain, in reducing risk of exclusion. The analysis shows that increasing the number of trips is significantly associated with a reduced risk of social exclusion and that increasing social capital is weakly supportive. Metrocable is therefore likely to be successful in reducing exclusion. The model suggests that secondary data can be used to explore relationships between mobility and risk of social exclusion.