Segregated lanes in a segregated society: a case study of Medellin, Colombia

In this chapter we analyse the impact that transportation solutions have had on the image of the city of Medellín, Colombia, both locally and internationally. A strong focus is put on how the city’s administrations have used transport as a means to exert control, enforce the law and extend behavioural codes throughout Medellinean society. In particular, we study Metroplús, the city’s bus rapid transit system. Despite not being the only vehicle of change, Metroplús has been an important contribution to influencing the discussions about the right to the city, changing the city’s spatial paradigm, shifting power balances in favour of mass transit and inspiring changes in other transportation systems.