Mi Teleférico Red Cable Car Line
La Paz
Mi Teleférico's Red Line is part of the world's longest urban aerial cable car system, serving the metropolitan area of La Paz and El Alto in Bolivia. Launched in 2014 as part of Phase One, the Red Line connects the two neighboring cities separated by a steep 400-meter elevation difference, overcoming previously congested and winding road travel. The system was designed to address the region's transit challenges, including traffic congestion, long travel times, and environmental pollution. Developed by Doppelmayr Garaventa Group, Mi Teleférico is unique as it uses cable cars as the backbone of urban transit rather than as a complementary system. The Red Line, along with the Yellow and Green Lines, represents the first phase of a master plan to create an extensive network of cable car lines spanning over 33 kilometers with 30 stations. This innovative transit solution has won recognition for sustainable urban development and mobility, improving connectivity and daily commuting for hundreds of thousands of residents. The Red Line exemplifies modern urban transport that integrates with the city's geography, providing spectacular views and efficient travel.
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Tip: The best time to ride the Red Line is during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. Tickets can often be purchased in advance or via mobile apps, and discounted fares may be available for students, seniors, and frequent users. Visitors should check operating hours and plan for transfers if traveling beyond the Red Line. Early morning or late afternoon rides offer pleasant lighting and cooler temperatures for sightseeing.
Interesting facts
- •Mi Teleférico was considered the longest urban aerial cable car system in the world upon completion of its first phase in 2014.
- •It connects two cities separated by a 400-meter elevation difference, overcoming steep terrain that previously limited transit options.
- •The system won a Latam Smart City Award in 2018 for sustainable urban development and mobility.
- •Mi Teleférico is the first cable car system to serve as the backbone of an urban transit network rather than as a complementary service.
- •The Red, Yellow, and Purple lines specifically connect La Paz and El Alto, addressing critical transit challenges.
History
The concept of connecting La Paz and El Alto by cable car dates back to the 1970s, proposed to overcome the steep elevation difference and traffic congestion.
Despite multiple studies and political debates throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the project faced delays due to concerns over fare pricing, passenger capacity, and urban impact.
Renewed interest in the 2000s led to feasibility studies and planning by local governments.
In 2012, Bolivian President Evo Morales Ayma officially launched the project, with construction funded by the national treasury.
The Red Line, along with Yellow and Green Lines, inaugurated in May 2014, marked the first phase of the system, revolutionizing urban transit in the region.
Place Guide
Red Line Route2014
The Red Line traverses key urban sectors between La Paz and El Alto, providing rapid transit over steep and congested roads, with panoramic views of both cities.
