what is the metro cable system in medellín colombia
The system has continued to expand since the first rail line was installed. 9 Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them – 2021 Update, How Long to Get a Colombian Visa? Hi, I have a question regarding Metro + feeder buses (what we call them in Bogota). There are two different bus systems. And regarding the long lines do you have to use the same lines to recharge the Civica card? Passport The Metro de Medellin consists of two parts, on the one hand, a subway on the other hand, a cable car system. No wonder Lonely Planet described taking Medellín’s cable car system as “possibly the least expensive but most comprehensive and photogenic city tour in the world. Completed in 2004, the Medellín Cable connects to the metro system and expands the area with three lines connecting the west to northwest, north to northeast and northeast to the far northeast. Using a Civica card with a reader in an integrated bus, photo courtesy of Metro de Medellín. The Medellín Metro system is open from Monday to Saturday each week from 4:30 am until 11 pm for all lines except for Line L to Parque Arvi. Metro de Medellín Ltda. Jeff: kudos to for a great source of information about Medellin. The cost of the first line was close to USD24 million and the second to USD47 million. Colombia Visa Processing Times. In September 2010, Line L to Parque Arvi was added. And it is still the only rail-based metro system in Colombia. The Medellín Metro is the only rail-based mass transportation system in Colombia. Good to know there are discounts available at some places with a Civica card. The valley metro cable … Editors note: updated on January 22, 2019 to add a photo of Encicla, which is Medellín’s free city bikes system that permits you to to use your Metro Civica card to borrow bikes from many stations throughout the city. I got mine using only a copy and last week helped someone get a new Civica with a copy of her passport…..she had her drivers license from the US but the agent used the passport copy versus the license. I guess the card doesn’t work on those routes? Research led by the CPI team and the insights we're sharing from our work in real time. I am 60, but didn’t know about discount. And buses with a Civica reader only have the lower integrated fare available if you use a Civica card. The publicly-owned Metro de Medellín company. Home el Camino de lols vid to Pan de Azucar in Medellin, what is the best way to get there on the new electro tram line? Medellín is the only city in Colombia that has a metro system. – The Metro helped to bridge the poor part of the city and the rich side because it crosses social walls between districts. I haven’t been able to find any other info regarding this though. ID theft police report. System began operation in November 1995. The use of the system made by ordinary users, in terms of the number of passenger journeys and journey times (e.g., 3,000 journeys per day on Line K). System began operation in November 1995. Medellín has the only rail-based metro system in Colombia. A cable car system, linked to the modern and spotless metro, moves tens of thousands of hillside residents each day, dramatically cutting commuting times to the city centre. First time I attempted – My issues/problems were (1) No one spoke any English and my Spanish is low intermediate. Editors note: updated on September 4, 2020 to remove that Pico y Cedula is used on the Medellin Metro since Pico y Cedula ended on August 30 in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley. University photo ID card (not manual). The Civica card is also used in the Encicla system, which is Medellín’s free city bikes system that permits you to borrow bikes from many stations throughout the city. Medellín has the first (and only) metro system in Colombia, which has had a measurable social impact on the city. The project was approved in 1982 by the National Council of Economic and Social Policies. Construction on the first rail line began in 1984 and today, Medellín is home to an integrated system including two railways (north-south and east-west), rapid buses, trams and aerial cable-cars that climb the surrounding hillsides. Considering that you save money with a Civica card, I don’t understand why there frequently are people standing in long lines to buy tickets. System consists of 2 metro lines, 4 metrocable lines and 1 tramway line. The Medellín Metro is considered a symbol for Medellín. I have seen some Colombians without Civica cards frustrated by this as they have to pay the full bus fare and then the full metro fare and don’t get the integrated fare that is only available with a Civica card. Pets can travel on the Medellín metro during specific hours but must be in a crate, container or cage. The metro system in the 2nd largest city in Colombia: Medellin.-Comment below so we can all have a productive 'conversation about transportation! I might have missed this in the article but do you know other than Itagui and San Antonio stations are there others where you can get a new Civica card? The cables cars make sure the city is connected to the outskirts while offering a vividly gorgeous view of Medellin. Line O – an electric bus line with 80 buses going from the Caribe metro station to the La Palma Metroplús station with 14 stops. Linea L meanwhile connects residents to Parque Arvi, a large park located on the outskirts of town. Eventual Civica card that is sold at metro station ticket booths, which now cost 5,000 pesos. In addition, seven of the shopping malls in Medellín are located within a block or just a few blocks from a metro station: So, it is possible and convenient to get to many tourist spots and shopping malls in the metropolitan area by using the metro system. Also, he mentioned that Monday the 24th is also a Colombian holiday! To get a personalized Civica card you just need to show an ID. These problems contributed to the physical and social marginalisation of these districts, resulting in poor access to the labour market, an increasingly serious lack of opportunities as well as high rates of crime and violence. Just to be clear: 1) as an over 60 tourist, I can get a Civica card using my foreign passport as proof of identity ?? Editors note: updated on April 3, 2020 with information that face masks will be required on the Medellín metro starting on April 7. Furthermore, discounted fares are available as shown in the table for those over 60 years old (Adulto Mayor), students (Estudiantial), people with reduced mobility (PcD) and package carriers (Al Portador). Posted by Jeff | Jan 19, 2021 | Expat Tips, Transportation | 40. Private Half-Day Medellín Graffiti Tour Including Metrocable. Additional lines were added and the cable car were built in the 2000s. Hey Jef, thanks for your wonderful blog. They are just looking for an ID when you sign up for the Civica card. Medellín’s metro is the only rail-based city transit system in Colombia. [7] The project was financed jointly by the municipality and the publicly-owned Metro de Medellín. Just found this amazing guide of yours and thus answers my question about having a public transportation card. – This is the only metro system in Colombia. So, you save 320 pesos (11.6 percent) per standard trip with a personalized Civica card. Special Offer. Also, during some holidays like Christmas, the operating hours of the metro are typically reduced. A complete list of Civica discounts is found here. The above-ground two-line system connects the north with the south, and the downtown with the west. Furthermore, it doesn’t cost anything to get a personalized Civica card. The history of the Medellín Metro system traces back to 1980, when the project was presented to the Colombian National Government by the city of Medellín. The Medellín Metro (Spanish: Metro de Medellín) is a rapid transit system that crosses the … The Medellín Metro soon became a symbol of the city. – it’s great value ) and then head in the direction of Acevedo station. And in December 2016, the fourth Metrocable Line H was added. The first above-ground metro line was inaugurated in 1995 after which the city’s public transport system was expanded with a second line, cable cart lines and a bus rapid transit line. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. You can buy one trip or additional trips in advance. The Metro Cable, a cable car that travels above the city, connects informal settlements in the upper regions of Medellín to the metro system in the lower regions, enabling much faster access to transportation. Hi Jeff, we are traveling to Medellin around June 22-25th. In addition, there are nearly 600 other places around the city where you can recharge a Civica card – here’s a list. Since the eventual Civica cards now costs 5,000 pesos and has the full fare, it makes no sense to use these. Editors note: updated on November 23, 2019 with information about traveling with a bicycle on the metro system. More info. The first above-ground metro line was inaugurated in 1995 after which the city’s public transport system was expanded with a second line, cable cart lines and a bus rapid transit line. The authorities worked closely together in implementation of the projects. With its comprehensive transportation system, Medellín arguably has a world-class public transportation system that is considered the best out of all the cities in Colombia. The metro in Medellin is the only rail-based mass transportation service in Colombia, and it does not contaminate because it uses electrical technology! The Medellín Metro (Spanish: Metro de Medellín) is a rapid transit system that crosses the Metropolitan Area of Medellín from North to South and from Centre to West. We are traveling with two kids and we were looking forward to taking the Metrocable up to the park during our visit–but the closures make that seem unlikely during the time we have. In reimagining government, we must commit to centering historically underrepresented communities voices in all of the work that we do. The cable car system moves tens of thousands of citizens each day. The small offices issuing personalized Civica cards are open Monday to Friday 6:30 am to 8:30 pm, or on Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Medellín, Colombia is presently home to four Metrocable lines as of November 2018. So, the article is updated. Medellín’s metro system is a comprehensive transportation system that integrates two rail lines, a Tranvía tramcar line, five Metrocable cable-car lines, two Metroplús elongated bus line an electric bus line and even hundreds of small feeder metro buses. Quick View. As a result of using a personalized Civica card I estimate I save over $60 USD per year with lower fares. The Civica card can also be used on the white integrated feeder buses that have Civica card readers. Editors note: updated on January 1, 2020 with new Medellín metro system fares for 2020. There are plenty of buses in Medellin that can be an effective and even cheaper alternative to taxis or the metro system. Basilica de la Candelaria is one of the few colonial buildings left. Lucky for me, because as I was standing in line, a worker was talking (of course as the fast Spanish pace) to us in line and handing out forms that needed to be read and signed. Located in a valley surrounded by mountains, this city is always friendly to visitors. The government run, Integrado buses connect with Metro stations and are usually green. The project involved a number of stakeholders who were committed to its logistical and socioeconomic objectives: The year 2000 was an electoral year, and Metro de Medellín presented the cable car project to the mayoral candidates. The first line to be built was Metrocable line K, to the Santo Domingo Savio neighbourhood, which reaches around 230,000 inhabitants in 12 localities and links northeastern Medellín with the city centre. The Medellín Metro was conceived as a major urban transportation system for the worker classes in Medellín. And 8:30 am to 10 pm on Line K and 9 am to 10 pm on Lines H, J and M. During Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve the hours are normally shorter. Whilst most rejected it, the successful candidate, Luis Pérez, the mayor from 2001 to 2003, “happened to be as keen an enthusiast of cable-cars as the newly-appointed head of Metro de Medellín. “It also inspired many other Latin American cities with similar topography and socioeconomic dynamics to explore aerial cable cars as mobility solutions. There has also been a shared sense of purpose with the architects, urban planners and others involved in the broader PUI project. [6]. Quick View. He assisted me with obtaining my Civica. And they have plans to add another tram line on 80 for better coverage in the western part of the city. MEDELLÍN‘S METROCABLE - MOBILITY AS FUNDAMENTAL FACTOR OF INTEGRATED AND INCLUSIVE URBAN DEVELOPMENT, Connective Cities, Aerial cable-car systems for public transport in low-income urban areas: lessons from Medellin, Colombia, Peter Brand, Julio Dávila, 4-8 July 2011, World Planning Schools Congress, Perth, Western Australia, Medellín's aerial cable-cars: social inclusion and reduced emissions. He was committed to the Metrocable in itself and as part of the wider PUI project: “under the leadership of Mayor Sergio Fajardo in 2004, the city bet on a public policy focused on reducing the profound social debts that had accumulated over decades, in addition to the legacy of violence”. Thank you so much !!! These two expansions were part of the master plan. The Medellín Metro system transported over 298 million passengers in 2018, which was an increase of 3.8 percent from 2017. The valley metro cable is hard to ignore. That likely applies to the other discounts as well so someone with a discount can’t use the discount for others. The standard fare is the fare with the eventual Civica cards that are sold at fare booths at metro stations. Cheers! Medellin City Private Tour. Reportedly there are only about 500,000 Civica cards issued. I returned later that day, could not find him, but another platform worker who was with him that day recognized me (and she instructed me to wait until she found my interpreter). “Although this has led to periods of tension over technical matters (for example over bus feeder routes and a complementary rapid bus transit system currently under construction), these have generally been resolved on the basis of the efficiency of the Metro and a shared commitment to urban improvement.” [15]. In this master plan are many more planned expansions to the metro system. The impact of the studies and consultations was that “by 2000 it had become a technically and financially feasible project”. Yes, pets are permitted on the Medellín Metro system but there are some restrictions. In addition, it was envisioned to help develop marginalized portions of the city with limited transportation options, which are also some of the poorest neighborhoods in the city. There are several shops in Monterrey mall that repair cell phones but unfortunately they are all closed due to the national quarantine – https://medellinguru.com/monterrey, Your email address will not be published. You need a personalized Civica card with your name on it to get the lower Frequente fare. “Whilst the first line has been highly successful and runs at full capacity (approximately 30,000 passengers per day), the impact of the second cable car line suggests that, to be economically and socially significant, cable car systems require specific minimum conditions in terms of urban morphology and population density, as well as careful integration with the existing mass public transit network.”. It has its centre in the valley, with a number of barrios - informal settlements - on the hills that surround it. When you sign up for a Civica card you can establish the discounted fares for your Civica card if you are eligible. Other expansions reportedly planned in the next few years include adding additional stations to Line A (between the Industriales and Poblado stations and between the Envigado and Itagüí stations). Another question…are the Civica cards transferable or can they be shared? Medellin’s metro cable transformed a rather violent city into one of the safest places in Columbia and is one of the most efficient public transport systems around the world. ” 3. Metro of Medellin America / Colombia. Furthermore, the Civica card provides discounts at many places. In addition, it greatly reduces the amount of traffic in the city and the number of traffic accidents each year. Image by Steven Dale. It's gone from "the most dangerous city in the world" to "city of eternal spring." “‘It was impossible to reach the centre of town; we were stuck here. See the following El Colombiano article in Spanish. The Medellín Metro has a long-range master plan in place. Also, the most appropriate place to locate bicycles is the end of each train car with a space that is marked. 2 reviews. We rode the metro cable to Parque Arvi, it was a smooth and comfortable experience. The metro cable system connects the whole city easily, fast and sustainable Offering museums, parks and Wi-Fi to everyone and for free. In no case is there a need to pay an additional fare for bicycles. La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia; Caracas, Venezuela; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Manizales, Colombia have all built cable car systems that help connect peripheral communities to the urban core.” [8], Cable cars had been a technically well-established form of transport for nearly a century, “dating back to 1914 in Bern, Switzerland. Colombian identification card for minors F un Facts about Metro Medellin. During these hours pets are permitted on all parts of the metro system. In 2004, when the first line was opened, it was widely perceived as a success. Drivers License Editors note: completely updated on January 19, 2021 with new 2021 metro fares. Required fields are marked *. Needless to say i just went to the ticket window and bought a single pass so we could continue our travel. The cable car systems of the past were typically low capacity and designed to transport tourists, particularly in ski towns”. Also, we have a guide to using and signing up for Encicla. In addition, the metro reportedly saves over 200,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year. Lo siento. Medellin used to be considered the crime capital of Colombia but over the past 10 years has completely transformed to become one of the safest and most advanced places in the entire country. And a personalized Civica card is free. In 2004, the first Metrocable cable car was built in Medellín. Wish I could learn the secret for getting it to work. Although, I cannot speak great Spanish, my reading level is pretty good. You will need a Civica card to get the integrated fare. But with a Civica card, you get a discounted fare and can recharge with enough funds for a month calculated on how often you use the metro. A local contact commented that the Metrocable line to Parque Arvi was going to be closed for repair mid June with expected date of re-open on the 23rd. Is Civica card only accepted on L1, L2 and white feeder buses? Also, 57 percent of the metro passengers are women and 43 percent are men. He told me that when I returned to find him and he would translate to the clerk. ITDP is global consortium of organizations founded to promote sustainable transportation systems worldwide. Hi Kelly, the Civica cards are not really transferable, as they are in one person’s name. $72.92 $82 per adult. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The likelihood of achieving benefits such as “small-scale economic activity … In the second system, Line J, where the stations are less well articulated to urban morphology and street patterns [compared to Line K, such] benefits are still less evident". Also, added that police at metro stations are now checking IDs and you are permitted to use the metro based on Pico y Cedula. I love that you keep the articles up to date on this blog. The 2021 standard Medellín Metro fare with a personalized Civica card is 2,430 pesos ($0.72 USD), which is up from 2,355 pesos in 2021 and up from 2,255 pesos in 2019. 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So I assume an ID like a cedula or passport with a birthdate would work. One of them, in the northeast of the city, goes to Santo Domingo Savio, where the Spanish Park Library works; another connects districts 7 and 13 with the San Javier West subway station and another connects Arvi Park in the village of Santa Elena with the rest of the system. © 2020 Centre For Public Impact, Inc. All rights reserved. Near term expansions already in work include: Also, they have been adding trains to the system to increase capacity. This is the only metro system in Colombia. On Sundays and most holidays, the hours are from 5 am to 10 pm. Where a trip into the city center might have taken two hours and multiple fares, residents can now get there in just 30 minutes and pay only once. Plus, because it’s part of the normal public transportation system, the metro cable is one of the most affordable tourist activities you will ever enjoy. As i was leaving the Civica office, I luckily ran into a Platform worker that spoke great English. urban Cable car that connects the outer parts of the city to the center Other cities in Colombia only have elongated bus systems like TransMilenio in Bogotá, MIO in Cali, Metrolinea in Bucaramanga and Megabús in Pereira. Medellín, Colombia, ... and you only have to pay when you enter the system. There were major problems of social exclusion: the residents of the hillside, Building on our previous research around shared power, legitimacy, and experimentation, we present an emerging vision for the future of government, Insights from European cities' rapid and creative reactions to the pandemic, How the UK can respond to the COVID-19 Crisis, Prominent examples of regions and communities responding to economic downturns. The integrated fares for integrated buses and the metro have also changed and range from 2,750 to 4,425 pesos as seen in the following table: 2021 integrated route fares, courtesy of Metro de Medellín. The future of Medellin Guru needs the help of readers to remain ad free. Copyright © 2020 Medellin Guru - All Rights Reserved. And they will accept several types of IDs including: A Civica card initially will have no value but you can recharge it by standing in ticket lines at any metro station. Last time I was in Medellin 2 years-a-go I remember they gave you a little piece of paper after paying the fair at ticket window in the metro for feeder bus, is that still the case? The environmental impact: to estimate this, Metro de Medellín prepared a Project Design Document, which proposed a baseline and a methodology to gauge environmental impact. Metrocable is a gondola lift system implemented by the City Council of Medellín, Colombia, with the purpose of providing a complementary transportation service to that of Medellín Metro.It was designed to reach some of the city's informal settlements on the steep hills that mark its topography. There are also a bunch of red buses, green buses and some other in Medellin. It covers the entire city and transport approximately 150 million passengers per year. Also, added information about the new O electric bus line that goes from Caribe station to the La Palma Metroplús station. Hi Jeff – great post! On the Medellin Guru website, there are several writers that can be seen here: https://medellinguru.com/about/. You can get a personalized Civica card at the Itagüí, Niquía, San Antonio and San Javier metro stations. This means you could get on the metro at the south of the ... take the cable car up and down, and take the metro … 33 5. For example, to take Metro and get off Poblado or Sabaneta, you pay 2,700 COP (with CIVICA) in order to board the little busetas up the hill (in the case of Poblado) or el centro (in the case of Sabaneta) once you exit metro? Editors note: updated on February 3, 2019 to add information about the M Metrocable cable car line, which completed construction in January 2019. Keep the good work, thanks and have a happy New Year. Medellín Metro train arriving at a station. 2. Beautiful views of Medellin And the tropical forest at the top. “By integrating the design of the system with other forms of mass transit and improving access for pedestrians, the city's Metrocable system has helped connect low-income residents to their city and put urban mobility at the heart of equity.” [3]. Getting around in Medellin is a doddle thanks to its innovative and extensive public transport network, which includes the Medellin Metro and the Metrocable cable car system.