Bogota should turn itself into a 24-hour city, in order to stimulate the economy by increasing investment and tourism, according to a consultation carried out by the Ministry of Development, El Tiempo reported Thursday.
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The proposal, prepared by city’s secretary of economic development, was delivered to the local government during the “International Conference on Economic Development, Productivity, and Competitiveness.”
A 24-hour city, according to the proposal, does not just involve round-the-clock public transport, which currently runs only until midnight, or entertainment, currently open until 3AM, but late hours for normal businesses as well.
Authors of the proposal say that more than 25% of 7,500 poll respondents said they would support the idea of having a 24-hour city.
Proponents of the idea argue that a 24-hour city would help Bogota create jobs, increase investment, bring more tourists to the city, and have an overall positive effect for the city’s nearly 8 million residents.
Other ideas proposed during the conference to further the city’s economic development include improving the road system, implementing vehicle restrictions in the downtown area, the integration of a high-speed metro system, the expansion of the TransMilenio bus system, and the introduction of commuter trains and cable cars.
In addition, improving transport terminals and the education system, constructing large venues for events, controlling demographics, and promoting responsible civic behavior were also proposed during the conference.
Mariela Barragan, the secretary of development, noted Bogota’s success in making itself into a prime location for foreign investment, in addition to highlighting the city’s low poverty rate of 22% – the second best in Colombia.
