President Piñera launched the “Red” (Network) transport system for regions outside of the capital: “This will significantly improve residents’ quality of life”.
The “Red” transportation system will add 300 buses to routes in the regions outside of the capital over the next two years. Concepción will be the first city to deploy the new transportation system.
President Sebastián Piñera unveiled the “Red” (Network) transport system for regions outside of the capital on Wednesday in the city of Concepción. The new system offers more efficient service, is environmentally friendly and incorporates the latest technology for the benefit of users.
“This is a revolution in the national public transport system”, the President said at a ceremony held at the Biobío Regional Government Headquarters, where he was accompanied by Transport and Telecommunications Minister Gloria Hutt, Regional Governor Sergio Giacaman, local authorities and members of civil society.
The new system will improve standards for public buses, which will have universal access for people with disabilities, USB ports for charging electronic devices, Wi-fi service and air conditioning.
The plan will add 300 new buses throughout Chile over the next two years.
The system also will allow for improvements to be made to travel times and predictability, enhancing network integration with railway transport services, as in the case of Concepción.
“This will significantly improve residents’ quality of life”, the President remarked.
Red Concepción will be the first service of its kind, initiating the development and implementation of the network in cities throughout Chile. The project will be up and running by May 2020 and will cost $5.6 billion pesos.
Concepción will also be the first city to add an airport to its public transport system.
The implementation of the network at the regional level includes the creation of electro-corridors, exclusive routes for public transport buses, special signage, security cameras and smart bus stops as well as other improvements designed to enhance the quality of regional transport.
With the “Red” network, Chile has reaffirmed its leadership in the area of electromobility and has positioned itself on the cutting edge in Latin America and worldwide. The country is now home to the second largest fleet of electric-powered public buses after China.