The project of tram train either Tram Train which is proposed as an alternative to improve circulation in the Metropolitan area of Uruguay generated many doubts since its announcement, in mid-2023. One of them was the impact it could have on the current public transportation system and bus companies. In that sense, one of the firms promoting the private initiative confirmed that the operation could be left to the bus companies.
With the announcement of the confirmation of the private initiative to build a level electric train to link Montevideo and Cannelloni, In June of last year, several controversies arose: the first was the one promoted by the Municipalities, which complained about the lack of consultation and dialogue around the project, key when considering that the installation of a new means of transportation on the avenues was proposed. main.
But another question that arose was regarding the impact that a project of this type would have on the current transportation system, which is why from the Chamber of Transportation of Uruguay It was made clear that the only conceived way to operate the train initiative was with the traditional carriers that already operate in the metropolitan area.
In this regard, he was consulted Luis Pelloni, representative of Stadler Rail for Uruguayone of the three companies that, together with Saceem and Stiller, They make up the private consortium that would carry out the Tram Train. “This comes to add value to the city, to end the flat market or flat market,” he said, in dialogue with Radio Carve.
Regarding the impact on bus routes, Pelloni maintained that “naturally a review will have to be made. redistribution of lines and complement all services”, but that this does not necessarily harm transportation; At the same time, it directly benefits the passenger by presenting greater alternatives for routes and means of transportation.
In any case, the Uruguayan representative of Stadler Rail clarified that private companies never considered operating the new service. “The natural thing when a new transportation system is implemented, in this case rail, is that the bus companies the same ones that take charge of the operation. They will have to prepare due to the lack of knowledge of the sector, but we will be in charge of helping them with engineering and everything that comes with managing a system different from that of buses, due to the impact of technology on safety, reliability and traceability,” he explained.
At what stage is the Tram Train project?
Last week, the minister of Transportation and Public Works (MTOP), José Luis Faleromet with the mayor of Cannelloni Marcelo Metediera, in what was the first meeting between the parties involved in the tram train project that will link Pinewood and Old City, almost a year after its formal announcement.
“What they presented to us right now is what they should have presented last year when they got the private initiative. It only has a very general, very global presentation, as has been known in the press. But it is the starting point, the start, today it is formalized and we are waiting for the Ministry of Transportation define in legal terms whether or not it accepts the private initiative, lifts confidentiality and that allows us to analyze in some greater detail,” Metediera explained at a press conference.
Although deadlines have not yet been set, the work would take at least three years. In any case, Falero clarified days ago that it would not be advisable to start this type of initiative in election year, Therefore, the technical teams work on a project that would remain to be implemented in the next management.
Source: Ambito
