It was launched 50 days ago, in Medellin
07.02.12
Colombia: near 33,000 passengers per day use Metroplús CNG-powered buses
At the beginning of its operations, the public transportation system is carrying 3,000 passengers more than the expected figure, and reached 90 percent of its capacity. The daily savings for passengers is the cost of one or two bus fares, i.e. up to 3,000 pesos (USD 1,70), reported local newspaper El Colombiano.
Savings are not only shared by everyday users, who find the service a valuable resource for getting around the city, but also by Metro of Medellin, the bus operator. Indeed, the chief operating officer of the company, Jaime Alberto Wilches, described Metroplús balance as "very positive" during the first month.
"We're pleased that users feel at ease. Above all, because they are having significant savings, which can exceed 90,000 pesos (USD 50) in a month," said Wilches, who also added that Metroplús carried about 750,000 passengers between January 1 and 31.
During this first phase,
the transportation system has 20 articulated buses running on compressed natural gas, with a capacity to transport 2,000 passengers. When completed, Metroplús is expected to carry about 160,000 passengers per day.