The article discusses the lessons learned from Bogotá’s transit system, TransMilenio, and the key figures involved in its development. Enrique Peñalosa, the former mayor of Bogotá, introduced TransMilenio, a rapid bus network, which provided millions of residents with access to jobs and schools. However, another influential figure, Antanas Mockus, who served as mayor before and after Peñalosa, played a crucial role in shaping Bogotá’s transformation.

Mockus, known for his unconventional methods, including hiring mimes to shame jaywalkers and promoting sidewalk civility by dressing as a superhero, helped create a sense of local pride and progress in Bogotá. His administration focused on improving public safety and infrastructure, laying the groundwork for TransMilenio’s success.

The article highlights the importance of continuity and long-term vision in implementing transformative projects like TransMilenio. While subsequent mayors have struggled to maintain and expand the system, Claudia Lopez, Bogotá’s former mayor, embraced Mockus’s philosophy of building on past achievements. She emphasized the collective nature of such projects, stating that they belong to the constituents, not individual politicians.

The author reflects on the need for “cathedral thinking” in addressing complex urban challenges and emphasizes that transformative projects transcend individual administrations and political cycles. Ultimately, they require collective effort, incremental progress, and a long-term commitment to improving cities and communities.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/headway/lessons-learned-bogota-buses.html