Transantiago, Modern Public Transport
The seriousness and consistency of the fiscal policies that Chile has implemented are a
key factor in the privileged position that our country now achieves in all the indicators
and rankings prepared by the most prestigious international organizations.
Chile is not only the most competitive country in Latin America, but is also distinguished
by its transparency, economic freedom and achievements in terms of human development.
In fact, its country-risk has dropped to a level never before seen in our history and this,
combined with low interest rates, constitutes a very attractive environment for new
investment.
International recognition of Chile’s economic achievements has also been heightened
by its recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the European Union, the United States,
the EFTA countries and South Korea. These extended the country’s network of trade
agreements, which already included FTAs with Mexico and Canada, and bilateral agreements with most other South and Central American countries.
Chile: “Economic, Attractive Platform”
Chile’s sound economic fundamentals make it an exceptionally attractive platform from
which to do business in other Latin American markets. But, in order to fulfill this role, it is
fundamental that its capital Santiago should offer the services and infrastructure of a world-class city. In a bid to achieve this goal.
Santiago is undergoing a profound transformation
This includes the construction of a network of more than 210 kilometers of tolled urban highways, representing an investment of US$ 2 billion. These highways will be equipped with the world’s most advanced electronic tolling systems, and are being developed
as public-private partnerships.
However, perhaps the most important aspect of the city’s modernization is the transformation of its public transport system, a sector which is responsible for more than 1.8 billion journeys annually, worth around US$ 700 million. This project, known as
Transantiago, aims to achieve substantially shorter journey times, a reduction in emission of pollutants, and the transformation of the city’s public transport system into one that provides a comfortable and efficient service. A first step in this process is the
extension of Santiago’s underground railway, which is being financed with public investment. By 2006, the railway will have doubled its size, reaching a total length of almost 90 kilometers.
Today, the Transantiago plan is our main priority. Designed within the framework of Chile’s program of public-private partnerships, it seeks to achieve a radical modernization of surface public transport impacting 34 of the 52 counties of the city. One of its key
objectives is to improve regulation of both technical norms and contractual relationships, taking a systemic approach that involves the operation of different modes of transport, as well as the system’s financial management. This requires the introduction of integrated
fares that allow users to combine different modes of transport; the dissociation of fare payments by users from the earnings of operators; and the implementation of a smart card that will give access to the entire system.
Transantiago will create investment opportunities in four different areas. It will require the construction of new road infrastructure and of transfer stations, at which different modes of transport converge, representing a total investment of US$ 250 million.
It also involves incorporating new technology, both in buses and in the system’s control centers, and the implementation of a distribution and sales network for the system’s smart card. In addition, there are opportunities for investment in financing the system’s
development, including new vehicles worth at least US$ 230 million, and in the administration of all the system’s resources.
Thanks to the program of public-private partnerships that Chile launched in the mid-1990s, the country has had unprecedented success in developing its road, port, and airport infrastructure. Similarly, within the framework of this program, it has incorporated
private capital and management into the country’s water and telecommunications sectors, facilitating their consolidation and the delivery of more and better services. All this was possible due to a legal framework that fosters investment and includes appropriate
methods for managing investors’ risks. This, combined with Chile’s responsible and efficient public administration, has allowed the public and private sectors to harness their efforts to the benefit of the country.
As we continue along this road, we would today like to invite you to participate in one of the world’s most important transport projects.
“We are certain that our plan’s solid foundations, and your participation, will ensure its success”
Javier Etcheberry
EX-Minister of Public Works, Transport
and Telecommunications. Ricardo Lagos / Era.
At Today the habitants of Santiago,Chile do not perceive anything of the expressed in the previously document. Of the same form: certain statistics and polls of Chile. In corruption, economy and social well-being are wrong and professionally bad focused with relation to the raw reality.
Transantiago Chile, Documentos Relativos a esta Información:
Transantiago Chile · Publicación: English Information
