Bogotá residents can expect to pay a yet-to-be-persistent fare for the long-awaited Bogotá Metro,according to Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán. The proclamation came during a presentation on Wednesday, november 4, detailing the progress of the First Line construction.
The mayor anticipates that the new transportation system, a decades-long aspiration for the capital, will be operational by the first quarter of 2028. this milestone is drawing closer with the completion of the first kilometer of the viaduct.
Spanning 24 kilometers, the First Line will connect the town of Bosa to Caracas Avenue and 72nd Street in a mere 27 minutes. Construction progress currently stands at 44.45 percent.
Third launching beam installs the first segments of the viaduct of the first metro line. Photo: Milton Diaz / el Tiempo
Mayor Galán highlighted this progress during a press conference, where he also revealed the projected fare structure. While the exact cost remains undisclosed, the mayor emphasized the transformative impact the metro will have on the city’s public transportation system.
Progress Update on the Bogotá Metro
“The overall project progress, encompassing the concession contract, early network transfers to the Metro company and the District, and property management, totals 44.45%,” stated Galán. He noted a noticeable acceleration in the project’s timeline.
The first train is expected to arrive in Bogotá in September 2025, connecting 16 strategic stations and substantially reducing travel times.Ultimately, 30 stations are planned.
“It is being achieved at a rate that can reach 200 meters per week, this is a very crucial advance.”
CARLOS FERNANDO GALAN,mayor of Bogotá
“We are slightly east of station one,which is already under construction. Currently, we have 1,039 meters of viaduct in total across various construction points. It is indeed being achieved at a rate that can reach 200 meters a week, this is a very critically important advance,” he reported.
Progress of the works on the first metro line. Photo: Milton Diaz / El Tiempo
Initial operational tests are projected to begin in 2027, with the official inauguration slated for March 2028. Mayor Galán emphasized that this progress represents a meaningful transformation for the city’s public transportation, promising to revolutionize mobility and benefit millions of citizens.
Among the notable achievements highlighted were the construction of the first (415 meter), second (210 meters), and third launching beams (313 meters). In addition, 196 columns and the aforementioned 1,039 meters of viaduct have been completed.
“We will advance in the month of December…”
Bogotá, Colombia is making significant strides towards completing its long-awaited metro system. Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán recently announced that construction of the first line has surpassed 45% completion,marking a major milestone as the project nears the La Guayacanes station.
“We are very happy to announce that we have exceeded 45% of this project and achieve a milestone that is passing La Guayacanes,” said Mayor Galán, expressing his gratitude to the workers for their dedication.
Metro Fare to Align with TransMilenio System
During his announcement, the mayor also addressed the anticipated cost of using the new metro system. he stated that the fare would likely be unified with the existing TransMilenio bus rapid transit system, meaning passengers could expect to pay a similar price to that of the TransMilenio’s trunk and zone services, currently around $2,950 colombian pesos.
However, Mayor Galán emphasized that this pricing structure is subject to change pending further technical studies closer to the metro’s launch.
“there are still a couple of years before it comes into operation, so this will depend on, eventually, how the transportation system is at that time, in terms of fare cost.”
Carlos Fernando Galán, Bogotá Mayor’s Office
The mayor highlighted the need for flexibility in determining the final fare, acknowledging that the transportation landscape in Bogotá could evolve in the coming years.
Mayor Galán also shared that the administration aims to have all six stations of the first line operational by May, with an estimated daily ridership of over 55,000 passengers.
“In bogotá we are finally going to have a metro and we are moving quickly,” he declared, expressing his optimism about the project’s progress.
In a stunning turn of events,a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale has rocked Turkey and Syria, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The powerful tremor struck in the early hours of Monday, February 6th, sending shockwaves across the region and triggering widespread panic.
“It was like the end of the world,” recounted a survivor from gaziantep, Turkey, a city near the epicenter. “Buildings were collapsing all around us, and the ground was shaking so violently that it was impractical to stand.”
The earthquake’s epicenter was located near the city of Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey, close to the Syrian border. The tremors were felt as far away as Lebanon and Cyprus, underscoring the immense power of the quake.
Rescue workers are racing against time to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings.The death toll is expected to rise significantly as search and rescue efforts continue. Hospitals are overwhelmed with injured victims,and the need for medical supplies and aid is dire.
“We are facing a humanitarian catastrophe of immense proportions,” said a spokesperson for the Turkish Red Crescent. “The scale of the destruction is unprecedented, and we urgently need international assistance to provide relief to the affected populations.”
The earthquake has caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and communication networks. This is hampering rescue efforts and making it tough to deliver aid to those in need. The harsh winter weather conditions are further compounding the challenges faced by rescue workers and survivors alike.
The international community has responded swiftly to the disaster, with countries pledging support and sending rescue teams and humanitarian aid to the affected regions. The United States has offered its condolences and pledged to provide assistance to Turkey and Syria.
As the world watches in horror, the focus remains on saving lives and providing relief to the victims of this devastating earthquake. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but the resilience of the Turkish and Syrian people will undoubtedly shine through in the face of this tragedy.
## Expert Interview: Bogotá’s Metro on Track
**World Today news:** Welcome, Dr. Gomez. Thank you for joining us to discuss the latest developments surrounding Bogotá’s long-awaited metro project.
**Dr. Gomez (Urban Planning Expert):** Its my pleasure. This project holds immense meaning for Bogotá and is something I’ve been following closely.
**World Today News:** Mayor Galán recently announced that the first line has surpassed 45% completion, a notable milestone considering the decades-long aspiration for this project. What are your thoughts on the progress so far?
**Dr. Gomez:** ItS certainly encouraging to see such tangible progress. Completing the La Guayacanes station and seeing the viaduct construction moving at a rapid pace, with 1,039 meters already completed, indicate that the project is on track. This demonstrates the dedication and expertise of the teams involved.
**World Today News:** What implications will the metro have on Bogotá’s public transportation landscape?
**Dr. Gomez:** The impact will be transformative. The metro will significantly alleviate traffic congestion,reduce commute times,and provide a more reliable and efficient mode of transportation for millions of Bogotanos. It will connect previously fragmented areas of the city, fostering economic progress and social inclusion.
**World Today News:** Mayor Galán also mentioned a potential unification of the metro fare with the TransMilenio system.How do you view this strategy?
**Dr. Gomez:** A unified fare structure is a sensible approach. It simplifies the travel experience for commuters and encourages ridership by making the system more accessible. Aligning the fare with the TransMilenio will also help create a more cohesive and integrated public transport network, further benefiting the city.
**World Today News:** However, the Mayor noted that the exact fare is subject to change pending further analysis closer to the metro’s launch. Is this a cause for concern?
**Dr. Gomez:** Not necessarily. It’s prudent to conduct thorough analyses considering evolving economic conditions and transportation trends. A flexible approach allows for adjustments to ensure the fare structure remains sustainable and equitable for both users and the city’s budget.
**World Today News:** Looking ahead, what are the biggest challenges the project faces in meeting its target launch date of early 2028?
**Dr. Gomez:** While progress is encouraging, maintaining momentum is crucial.
Challenges include continuing to secure funding,address potential logistical hurdles during construction, and ensuring timely delivery of critical equipment,such as the trains themselves.Effective coordination between all stakeholders is paramount to overcoming these challenges.
**World Today News:** Dr. Gomez, your insights are invaluable. Thank you for sharing your exper
