arch-peace news and articles

14.4.12

Metro of Santiago: more than mere public transport

The Metro of Santiago has recently being conferred two international awards, the best Metro in America (North and South) and the International Achievement Award IAA for the roof design of 4 of its newest stations. Already in 2010 the Metro of Santiago had been ranked 4th in the world by CoMET (international railway benchmarking).

Image source: Chilean Ministry of Economy and Tourism:  https://www.sepchile.cl/   

The award as the best Metro in America considers aspects such as, frequency and efficiency of its services, excellence in client service, accessibility and safety, together with technological and environmental innovations. Four principles stand out and drive the Metro of Santiago, these are: It takes you everywhere; it helps the planet breath; it reinforces the economy; and it alleviates congestion.  

Image source: Chilean Ministry of Economy
and Tourism:  https://www.sepchile.cl/    
More than a mere transportation system, the Metro of Santiago has been conceived as a public and cultural space, with commerce, common services and amenities and where exhibitions, music and urban interventions take place on regular basis. It also offers facilities such as BiciMetro, (bicycle keeping), MetroCulture and BiblioMetro (free book exchange).

The Metro of Santiago inaugurated its first line on May 15th, 1975. Today it extends 103 km; it has 108 stations and transports approximately 2.2 million passengers daily. While affordable, it is important to note that the Metro of Santiago, owned by the State of Chile, receives no government subsidy.

We hope that these recognitions may inspire other nations, including richer countries, to improve the conditions and extent of their public transport services and to consider that good public transport can be more than just connectivity.    










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