On November 1, 2023, the IDB approved the Bogotá Metro Line 2 (L2MB) Project. L2MB is intended to develop a robust public transport system in Bogotá. According to IDB project documents, the general objective is to “improve mobility in the city of Bogotá by incentivizing the use of public transportation and urban development. The specific objectives are: (i) to improve the quality of transportation services and (ii) to improve air quality for inhabitants in the area of influence of L2MB.” Under this project, the IDB will finance the construction of a 15.5 km metro with 11 stations and a fleet of around 25 electric trains. The project has two components: (i) civil works, which includes constructing the tunnel, stations, and public spaces; and (ii) project management. The L2MB will focus on improving connectivity between the northeast and northwest, and it is expected to be integrated with other public transport networks in Bogotá. This operation will be co-financed by the World Bank, European Investment Bank (EIB), and Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina (CAF) and is also expected to be financed by the private sector.
BIC is partnering with Asociación Ambiente y Sociedad and Asdown to monitor the design and implementation of the project and engage in advocacy around: a) how the metro line will be accessible for persons with disabilities and b) how the project will mitigate expected impacts and potential risks to the environment. BIC, along with our partners, have identified the following concerns:
Stakeholder engagement and access to information. While the IDB consulted with stakeholders in Bogotá, our partners found that the consultations did not include all stakeholders in the direct and indirect areas of the project. For example, only three disability groups are listed as having been consulted. The disability groups engaged during field visits shared that they did not have the necessary information to understand the possible impacts of the project or actively participate in the planning. A concern our partners identified in the consultations that were held is that they did not clearly explain all of the potential environmental and social risks and impacts associated with the project, such as the impact on wetlands. As a result, communities were not able to provide feedback or input on how to mitigate risks.
Adverse impact on wetlands of international importance. One of the main environmental concerns is the potential impact of the project on two wetlands that have been recognized as Ramsar sites and critical habitats under the IDB Environmental and Social Policy Framework (ESPF). The current project documents do not clearly identify the scope of impacts of the project on wetlands or how the project will avoid contamination of water and soil. Water contamination is also likely to have an adverse social impact as it poses a threat to respiratory health and may increase chances of infection that could have a negative impact on persons with disabilities. The project documents also neglect to mention that the wetlands are culturally important for the Muisca Indigenous Peoples of Suba.
Climate considerations are missing from project design. Bogotá is highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly extreme heat, heavy rain and flooding, fires, landslides, and earthquakes. Despite a recognition of Bogotá’s vulnerability, the project documents do not explain how the project design will include measures to reduce climate risks and enhance resilience. The project design should clearly state how Metro Line 2 will be resilient to climate change and maintain service in the event of extreme weather. It is also important to recognize how climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities. For instance, Bogotá experiences the urban heat island effect, and extreme heat can cause destabilization in people who use prostheses, wheelchairs, or other devices that are affected by high temperatures. The project design should take into consideration how persons with disabilities are impacted by climate change in the design of adaptation measures.
Mobility barriers. During field visits, persons with disabilities shared that they experience barriers impeding their mobility. For example, some cab drivers refuse to transport those who use wheelchairs, and there are accessibility barriers in the current public transport system making it difficult for persons with disabilities to reliably use public transport.
The Inter-American Development Bank is financing $50 million. The EIB is financing $50 million, the CAF is financing $30 million, and the World Bank is expected to finance $50 million.
Asociación Ambiente y Sociedad and Asdown
Allow for meaningful participation with stakeholders and readily available access to information. The IDB should engage with local communities throughout the project cycle and provide clear and accessible information regarding the potential social and environmental risks, impacts, and mitigation measures. This will help stakeholders learn about the project and meaningfully engage with the IDB and provide input, suggestions, or feedback on project design, construction, and implementation. Project information should be widely disseminated in a manner that is clear, understandable, accessible, and easy to read. All information should be made publicly available without the need to request it.
Avoid and mitigate risks to critical habitats for biodiversity. The IDB should provide more clarity on the scope and dimension of potential risks and adopt the mitigation hierarchy to avoid, minimize, or restore impacts to wetlands and freshwater to avoid loss of biodiversity and soil contamination. This should include more clarity around the management and disposal of waste that is likely to be generated during construction and operation, as well as assessing the effects of land use change, alteration of water flows, displacement of endemic fauna, and soil and water contamination. Prior to project approval, the IDB should make the Biodiversity Management Plan publicly available.
Mainstream disability inclusion in climate mitigation and adaptation. Given Bogotá's vulnerability to climate change and how it impacts persons with disabilities, the design of Metro Line 2 should be resilient to climate impacts. Any interventions that aim to increase resilience to climate change and climate hazards should be inclusive for persons with disabilities. For example, any measures to improve the metro’s resilience to flooding should be universally accessible and not hinder access for persons with disabilities.
Metro Line 2 should be universally accessible. The IDB should adhere to universal access standards in the design, construction, and operation of Metro Line 2. This should include accessible, easy to read information systems and train and line identification by color, number, and loudspeaker. The IDB should not only consider physical accessibility but also promote accessibility for those who are blind, deaf, or have intellectual disabilities. The IDB should also prioritize intermodal connectivity between Line 2 and other metro lines and other forms of public transport in Bogotá, such as Transmilenio. An accessible and inclusive Metro Line 2 may help to facilitate a modal shift from private vehicles, which would have a positive impact on GHG emissions and air pollution
