The Santo Domingo Metro is used by more than 380,000 people every day.
SANTO DOMINGO - As part of the project to expand the capacity of Line 1 of the Santo Domingo Metro , the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader , yesterday led the launch of the new six-car trains and the inauguration of the pedestrian interconnection corridor between Lines 1 and 2 of the important means of mass transit, initiatives executed by the Office for the Reorganization of Transportation (Opret).
Starting yesterday, Sunday, August 10 , four six-car trains entered service, increasing capacity to 17,000 passengers per hour. Based on demand, capacity is projected to reach 22,000 .
These improvements address one of the system's main challenges : the overcrowding of trains and stations during peak hours.
This increase, which will be implemented gradually, will reduce queues and waiting times, and improve the daily experience for users.
The Santo Domingo Metro is used by more than 380,000 people every day, who will now be able to travel more quickly, comfortably and efficiently.
The core component of the project was the extension of the platforms at five elevated stations in Santo Domingo Norte, doubling their length from 60 to 120 meters to accommodate six-car trains. This new fleet will be incorporated gradually, based on system demand.
Simultaneously, the new pedestrian interconnection corridor at the Juan Pablo Duarte , which doubled pedestrian capacity through the construction of three interconnected tunnels (A, B and C), designed to organize the boarding and disembarking of passengers between lines, improving the fluidity, safety and comfort of the journey.
President of the Republic, Luis Abinader. (External source).
At the inauguration of the works, the president stated that it is an investment in the present and future that will benefit thousands of families and users of public transportation.
“This project is an investment in the future. It includes the acquisition and adaptation of 24 new trains, the upgrading of the entire electrical system, improvements to signaling and telecommunications, and a project that will transform the user experience,” said President Abinader.
For his part, Opret's CEO, Rafael Santos Pérez, highlighted the positive impact of the investment and execution of the project.
“This project not only improves the infrastructure, it improves the lives of thousands of citizens who depend on the metro every day. More capacity means less waiting, more order, and greater dignity for all,” said Santos Pérez.
The comprehensive plan also included the acquisition of 24 new trains , the upgrading of the electrical system , as well as the updating of the signaling and telecommunications systems throughout Line 1, guaranteeing a service with higher levels of efficiency and safety.
In that regard, it was reported that the total investment amounts to approximately USD 260 million , thanks to the support of the Dominican Government and the financing of the French Development Agency (AFD).
In his speech, President Abinader reaffirmed the direct impact of these types of projects on the quality of life of citizens.
“Today, we are addressing a critical need in the transportation system, fulfilling our commitment to the people and delivering a project with social purpose, efficiency, and a vision for the future,” the president stated.
The event was attended by ministers, directors of public institutions, representatives of the diplomatic corps, AFD delegates, Opret technicians and citizens who use the system.
With these actions, Opret continues to reaffirm its commitment to urban mobility , which evolves at the pace of the city and puts the user at the center of every decision.
