Tramways of Bogota
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It was inaugurated in December 24, 1884. The first tramway was pulled by mules and covered the route from Plaza de Bolívar and San Diego, and in 1892 the line linking Plaza de Bolívar and Estación de la Sabana started operating. The tramway run over wood rails but since it easily derailed steel rails imported from England were installed. In 1894 a tramway car ran on the Estación de la Sabana to Chapinero line every twenty minutes.
In 1910 the system was replaced by an electric tram. The electric system was expanded and operated on four lines The riots of April 1948, known as Bogotazo, caused the destruction of several tram vehicles. The tramway provided services up to 1952 when was replaced by buses.
[edit] Aerial tramway
The aerial tramway or cable car to Monserrate began its construction on August 13, 1953 and was inaugurated on September 27, 1955; in a bicable modality with two cabins that transport 40 passengers each. It was built in 1955, and has two cabins each for 40 passengers. The 880 m journey is travelled in 7 minutes, with a magnificent view over the downtown of the city. On top, there is a shrine in a church, a fine dining restaurant and smaller tourist attractions.
[edit] Funicular
The Funicular to Monserrate is a tramway used for going from the city level (2962 m above sea level) to the top of the Hill of Monserrate (3152 m). The funicular transports daily the inhabitants of the capital and tourists; it was finished in 1928 and inaugurated officially on August 18, 1929. Since that time, this small train has slowly ascended towards the peak of Monserrate, in a parsimonious way that allows its passengers the contemplation of nature and landscape that is being left behind as they reach the 3,152 meters above sea level, where its superior station lies.
In December 2003, the funicular initiated a new phase with a more modern design in its cars, that now open their doors to the sky with a crystal ceiling, so that nobody can lose a single detail of the forests that surround the city, the beautiful panoramic view and beautiful sunsets. In its trip of only 4 minutes, the cable car rises with its big windows on its sides, offering a great view of the hill that makes contrast with the beautiful panoramic of the city. The dense vegetation of the high trees tops leave us a sensation of direct bonding between earth and sky.
[edit] External links
- The Tramways of Bogota – It presents 22 photographs of the tramway.
- he Funicular up Monserrate in Bogotá – Photographs of the Aerial tramway and Funicular
- Data about the funicular
