Extortion by street gangs has been a way of life for bus drivers in Medellin for years. But recent refusals to pay -- and subsequent murders of drivers -- has led to a massive bus strike.
"More than 50,000 people have been affected by the strikes in more than nine neighborhoods in northeast Medellin, the second biggest city in Colombia and the capital of the state of Antioquia. The group claiming responsibility for the murder, Los Muchachos, demands 50,000 pesos (US$25) per week from bus drivers. Jesus Botero Vera is the fifth bus driver to be killed in Medellin this year.
The bus drivers have been on strike since July 22 to demand better protection from extortionist gangs. This strike comes only one week after a similar protest to demand better security from police and administration officials. The strike stopped more than 170 buses from four routes and metro integration. Opportunist taxi drivers have taken advantage of the situation gouging residents with high prices to transport them to and from the neighborhood."
Locals are calling for more law enforcement to reduce the gangs' hold over drivers.
FULL STORY: Medellin Bus System Paralyzed by Violence and Extortion
Infrastructure Investment for Public Safety: Lessons from Medellín
A natural experiment in Medellín indicates that infrastructural investments can reduce crime and improve perceptions of public safety.
How Free Fares Could Benefit Bus Drivers
Free transit would reduce boarding times and improve working conditions for bus drivers, the 'frontline workers' responsible for fare collection and enforcement.
Labor Dispute, Service Disruptions, and a Record Heat Wave Hit Reno's Bus System
It's been a tough week for buses and bus riders in and around Reno, Nevada.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont