One of the world’s poorest countries spent $170 million on a cable car system that nobody uses, just before the president fled the country

Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, once boasted a $170 million cable car system that was touted as a solution to the city's traffic woes. However, the system, inaugurated by former President Andry Rajoelina before his deposition in a military coup, has been largely unused since its short-lived opening few weeks ago. With a population of over three million residents, Antananarivo has seen a tenfold increase in population since the 1960s, making it one of Africa's fastest-growing cities.

The cable cars, costing around $173 million, were intended to lift commuters above daily gridlock, promising to take 2,000 vehicles off the road and cut commutes by up to 30 minutes. However, the high fare of between 70 and 90 U.S. cents per trip, almost six times more expensive than a minibus, proved to be the system's downfall.

The majority of Madagascar's population, which suffers from 75% poverty, found the cost more burdensome than the convenience the cable cars promised. The project also faced criticism for neglecting more pressing issues like water and electricity. Following the coup, some cable car stations were damaged, causing further suspicion.

Despite the system's crash, Africa's urban population is projected to double by 2050, highlighting a growing need for efficient public transport.