Moving Bogotá: Transit Infrastructure and Economic Development in Colombia’s Capital

Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, illustrates how transportation infrastructure shapes urban economic development and trade. Bogotá endures some of the world’s most severe traffic congestion, imposing substantial economic costs. This article notes the city’s geographic and economic context, major transit systems, and negative effects on productivity and trade. The discussion highlights two central developments, the now decades-old TransMilenio bus rapid transit (BRT) system and the long-delayed Bogotá Metro project. Improving transport infrastructure is essential for Bogotá’s long-term economic sustainability and global competitiveness.