The Case of Comuna 13, Medellin, Colombia.

In the past, Comuna 13 was dominated by armed conflicts between drug gangs and paramilitaries. With the construction of the escalators, the community retook the power of their neighbourhood. Before, the inhabitants had to climb an equivalent of 28 levels to reach their home returning from their work in the city. Handicapped and elderly persons were not even able to leave Comuna 13. Since the steep roads were inaccessable for vehicles, the poor neighbourhood was isolated and impenetrable. In 2011, the escalators were inaugurated. The track counts 384 meters and consists of 6 parts. A 6 minute ride replaces 350 stair steps nowadays. Apart from the innovative character of the transport mode connecting Comuna 13 with the public transportation, it helped to bring peace and pride to the neighbourhood of 12.000 inhabitants. Allegedly, since the construction of the escalators, no violent incident had occurred. Medellín, what's next? #escalatorsofmedellin #escalerasmecanicasdemedellin #transportmode #sustainabletransport#innovativetransport #urbantransport#transportsolution #publictransport #mobility#righttothecity #socialinclusion #citytransformation#transformationofmedellin #cityexplorations#comuna13 #medellin #columbia #southamerica