Salvemos Barranco: Contested visions for the city and transportation in Barranco, Lima, Peru

Abstract

Densely populated cities like Lima, Peru, face a complex challenge: integrating mass transit into established urban fabrics. This thesis explores this tension through the case of a World Bank-funded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system implemented in Lima in 2010. The BRT, built mostly on an exclusive highway corridor, traversed only three neighborhoods–including Barranco, a historic district. Despite promising citywide mobility improvements, the project sparked protests in Barranco due to concerns about reduced pedestrian access, historic preservation, and potential neighborhood segregation. Through historical and spatial analysis, this thesis examines the claims of both residents and stakeholders to understand the root cause of the conflict and propose improved planning processes. The research reveals significant gaps between the planning process and resident concerns, resulting in reduced pedestrian space and unintended traffic impacts. In response, the thesis proposes a three-pronged approach for future World Bank BRT projects: 1) prioritizing local capacity building for meaningful public participation, 2) achieving a balance between city-wide accessibility and neighborhood concerns, and 3) implementing a community-based BRT evaluation framework. The study concludes by offering an opportunity for the World Bank to facilitate a reparative planning process in Barranco, centering residents as decision-makers in shaping their transportation future.