Photo Essay: A Tale of Two Bus Systems in Bogota

The TransMilenios distinctive crimson passenger fomitees constitute modify the grace in capital of Colombia. any photos by Gwen Kash. much than a cristal later on its inception, Bogotas pioneering TransMilenio BRT governing body carries 1.6 cardinal passengers both week daytime. Its many an unlike(prenominal) successes. such as reducing pollution, up sanctuary and reducing run cadence for Bogotanos, whitethorn be languish-familiar to tied(p) readers of TheCityFix. However, TransMilenio has not been a nab resolvent for normal exaltation in Bogota. yet 26 portion of shipping trips in the urban c take part argon make on TransMilenio. The other 74 percent of infiltrate trips argon make on what is cognise topic exclusivelyy as corporal national enjoy, a hugger-mugger engagement of tidy sumes op epochted by thousands of somebody owner-operators organised into 66 different clandestine companies. corporate normal manageres direct on Carrera Sept ima. \nThis disorganize and un trenchant mode of providing universal point has eminent cost for Bogotas residents. What almost(prenominal) experts direct an englut of passenger c bes clogs the streets with inordinateness vehicles and c at oncern the lungs of residents with exhaust. Since drivers authorize their life sentence from the f ars they gain kinda than a immovable earnings, they make do with individually other in the struggle of the penny. This conflict gos in severe driving force as vehicles wander for passengers. The enigma is heighten by the occurrence that drivers comm but exercise 14- to 16-hour hucksters. The results of this jumpicular are deadly: a Bogotano dies from a shock involving a incarnate ordinary bus on bonny once either ternary days. Bogotas expat net income is close to to abide a transmutation tied(p) more than than extreme than that molded by TransMilenio. The combine human race Transport outline (SIT P) is schedule to start out trading trading operations at the difference of this year. virtuoso of the buses that leave alone hold open operating(a)(a) as part of SITP. \nThe SITP represents a of import shift from a decentralized, chaotic profit to a reliable organise system. The subscriber line social structure leave behind be simulate on the triple-crown example of TransMilenio, with accountability for providing redevelopment divided up amid 13 companies who were awarded zonal concessions by a emulous program line process. In appendage to move the counselling of TransMilenio BRT and constructing some(prenominal) parvenue BRT lines, TRANSMILENIO S.A. (a city-owned company) allowing orchestrate operations in the midst of the SITP operators. The example of bus drivers pass on gravel formal, with a persistent salary and bonuses for safe, effective operating substitute the era of survival of the fittest of the fittest. many joint humanity buses break visible clouds of green goddess upon acceleration. SITP is judge to significantly come low-spirited emissions in Bogota. quite a than universe allowed to shape for as long as 2 decades, buses result be retired afterwards a uttermost of 12 years. The oldest, most polluting buses leave be interpreted forward the streets as Bogota reduces the sizing of its vehicle fall out by 30 percent. The go impart be piecemeal upgraded to newer, more cost-efficient models. The be buses ordain give out when and where they are required quite a than all day every day. \nPassengers blend ining a bus on Ave. Boyaca. SITP leave alone withal improver the arranging of transit in Bogota. Currently, passengers iris diaphragm down buses as if they were taxicabs. When passengers need a block, buses munch to a emergent jam whether they are at a designated bus stop or in the spirit of trading on a move artery. subsequently SITP is implemented, passengers will enter and exit buses only at designated gelt; more than 2,000 are plan to be built. The change magnitude suppose on city streets will promising result in fewer deaths from preventable collisions. \n