Rail transport in Bolivia dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven primarily by the mining industry. The construction of lines to transport saltpeter and minerals such as silver and tin connected mining areas with ports, consolidating what is known as the Andean and Eastern railway networks. Although wide- and narrow – gauge railways existed, they were rural or interurban routes. There are no records of true «urban trams» similar to European electric trams in Bolivian cities of that era.
However, anecdotally, there are records of trams operating in La Paz in the 1940s, as shown in a 1943 video. They were probably modest lines, and disappeared with the rise of road transport.
🚡 The aerial revolution: My La Paz–El Alto Cable Car
🌐 Context and need
La Paz and El Alto, separated by a 400-meter gradient, suffered from congestion and insufficient transportation. These cities, with a combined population of more than 2 million, were poorly connected by winding roads and overcrowded buses.
🏗️ Project and execution
The urban cable car «Mi Teleférico» was approved by Evo Morales in 2012, with the support of regional authorities. Its first phase (Red, Yellow, and Green lines, the colors of the Bolivian flag) was inaugurated on May 30, 2014, with 10 km of cables.
Developed by the Doppelmayr Garaventa firm, the system features:
- 10 lines (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Orange, White, Light Blue, Purple, Brown, Silver), plus the future Gold.
- 36 stations (or 26 if counted as an integrated system).
- 1,398 cabins with capacity for 10 people, frequencies of 12 s and a length of 30.6 km .
- Speed of 18 km/h, with capacity for 3,000–4,000 passengers/hour/line .
💰 Rates and usage
Each trip costs around 3 bolivianos (<0.50 USD), and the system handles between 80,000 and 90,000 users daily on the original lines alone; the Blue Line added 41,000 in one day. The project won the Latam Smart City Award in 2018.
🌐 Expansion and replication
- The second phase, launched in 2017–2018, included five lines (Blue, Orange, White, Light Blue, and later Purple and Silver), with an investment exceeding USD 500 million.
- Similar projects are being replicated in other Bolivian cities:
- Oruro : “Virgen del Socavón” tourist cable car, inaugurated in February 2018 and managed by Mi Teleférico.
- Sucre : an urban system is planned (2017) .
🎯 Urban and social impact
- Traffic reduction : The cable car alleviates congestion between La Paz and El Alto, being even faster and more efficient than road routes .
- Sustainability : By displacing polluting buses, it contributes to environmental improvement .
- Connectivity and quality of life : provides quick and affordable access to services, jobs and education.
- Tourism : It offers unique views of the plateau and is integrated into the urban experience, although it is not primarily considered a tourist attraction .
⚠️ Challenges and lessons learned
- There have been incidents, such as a tower collapse (in 2016) and a tree damaging cabins in 2015; fortunately, there were no significant fatalities .
- The need for intermodal coordination is highlighted: transfers have been improved with bus networks such as PumaKatari .
- The Bolivian experience has inspired other cities, demonstrating that cable cars can be the main axis of mass transportation (not just complementary), similar to Medellín .
Cochabamba
🐴 Origins: the first tram in Cochabamba (1902)
- Animal-drawn tram (1902) : The first rail transport system in Cochabamba appeared in 1902, powered by an animal-drawn tram, promoted by the German Julio Knaudt. It was rudimentary, but it marked the beginning of wheeled urban mobility in the city .
⚡ The electric tram: golden age (1910–1948)
- Start of the electric (1910) : In January 1910, the Electric Light and Power Company of Cochabamba (ELFEC) inaugurated an electric tramway between Vinto-Quillacollo and Arani, covering approximately 60 km.
- Line to Cala Cala (1913) : In August 1913 another line was launched that connected the Plaza 14 de Septiembre with the Cala Cala countryside, crossing orchards and rural roads.
- Strong reception : In 1923, more than 510,000 tickets and 1,420 season tickets were sold, a huge success for a city of only about 40,000 inhabitants.
- Disappearance (1948) : After a decline in 1939 and a brief revival, the service was permanently suspended on May 30, 1948, replaced by buses and colectivos .
🛤️ The Renaissance: Metropolitan Train “My Train” (2022)
Context and need
Cochabamba, with a metropolis of around 1.4 million inhabitants, faced severe congestion and urban pollution.
Project and construction
- Project start : In 2017, works were awarded to Joca Ingeniería and Molinari Rail, with funding from the Bolivian state for more than 500 million USD.
- Start and pause : Work began in 2017, but was halted in 2019 due to audits, and was reactivated in 2020 after the change of government .
Current urban system
- Inauguration : On September 13, 2022, the Green Line (Central Station → Quillacollo/Suticollo, 27 km) and the Red Line (Central Station → UMSS, 5.5 km) were inaugurated.
- Yellow Line pending : Construction progresses, but faces local delays.
Infrastructure and equipment
- Network : Three colored lines, 42 km total, 42‑43 stations.
- Rolling stock : 12 Stadler Metelitsa trains (three sections, low floor), capacity up to 376 passengers, maximum speed ~80 km/h, equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning and USB ports.
Impact and benefits
- Sustainable mobility : Modern, electric, inclusive, and with its own lanes to avoid traffic chaos.
- Urban revitalization : Promotes renewal, reduces pollution and accelerates integrated transportation.
🧭 Quick comparison: Cochabamba yesterday and today
| Time | Half | Scope | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1902 | Animal-drawn tram | Local tram | Essential |
| 1910–1948 | Electric tram | Various rural and urban lines | Innovative for its time |
| 2022–present | Light rail | 42 km metropolitan system | Advanced, ecological |
✨ Outlook: The future of the tram in Cochabamba
The Yellow Line is expected to begin operating in the coming years, with future extensions to Sacaba. With this metropolitan train, Cochabamba is positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainable public transportation in Bolivia and a regional example.
In conclusion, Cochabamba is beginning the 21st century by returning a modern tram to its streets after decades of absence. From a humble horse-drawn tram in 1902 to a 42-km, 12-unit state-of-the-art light rail system, the city is experiencing a transformation in urban mobility, combating congestion and pollution and looking toward a sustainable future.