El Salvador has officially begun work on the Aerocable, an ambitious cable car mass transit network designed to modernize urban mobility across the San Salvador metropolitan area. Announced by President Nayib Bukele, the multi-phase project aims to significantly reduce travel times and offer a reliable alternative to congested surface roads for hundreds of thousands of daily commuters.
The initial rollout, designated as Phase 1, features five distinct lines strategically connecting high-traffic corridors. The flagship route will link the municipality of Mejicanos directly with the Rosales Hospital in roughly 14 minutes, utilizing 23 towers—five of which are already installed. This single segment alone is projected to transport over 30,000 passengers daily across 18 hours of continuous operation.
In addition to the Mejicanos route, Phase 1 includes two dedicated lines serving Soyapango, a mountain-bound connection to El Boquerón, and a key link between Planes de Renderos and Panchimalco. Emphasizing structural safety, government authorities confirmed that the entire network incorporates anti-seismic design standards tailored to the region’s geographical demands.
Designed with modern sustainability in mind, the Aerocable will operate on 100% electric energy, producing zero carbon emissions. Each station will showcase unique architectural designs integrated into the surrounding environment, complete with elevators for universal accessibility, video surveillance, direct communication systems, and dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility.
The executive branch views this initial phase as the foundation for a much broader aerial transit grid across the nation. Reflecting on the project’s progress and long-term vision, Bukele shared, “The Aerocable is now a reality. We are building a modern public transportation system that will transform the mobility of hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans,” adding that the network will expand “step by step.”