| Transmetro | |
|---|---|
| [[File:|250px]] | |
| Info | |
| Locale | Guatemala City, Guatemala |
| Transit type | Bus rapid transit |
| Number of lines | 2 |
| Number of stations | 32 |
| Daily ridership | About 120,000 |
| Website | transmetro.muniguate.com |
| Operation | |
| Began operation | February 3, 2007 |
| Operator(s) | Municipalidad de la Ciudad de Guatemala (Municipality of Guatemala City) |
| Number of vehicles | About 250 Articulated buses |
| Technical | |
| Average speed | 50 km/h (31.07 mph) |
Transmetro is a bus rapid transit system in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Service began with its first line opening on February 3, 2007. Unlike other bus routes in Guatemala City, it is serviced by a fleet of modern Volvo buses made by Ciferal in Brasil. The buses have fixed stops and partly run on dedicated lanes, avoiding other traffic. Both stops and vehicles are guarded by municipal police. In 2007, there was one route, between the City Hall (Municipalidad) and a market place at Centra Sur (Southern Transfer Station). The second route Eje Central was completed and started operations on Saturday August 14, 2010. It travels through the central corridor between 6th and 7th Avenue of Zones 1, 4, and 9 (approximately).
For the most part the route is separated from other traffic. Buses run down the middle of the street and stop at stations approximately every kilometer (but this greatly varies).
The stations are in the middle of the street, located near areas of heavy pedestrian activity. The platforms are elevated so as to be level with the floor of the bus. Passengers may access the station via stairways, street crossings or, in some places where car traffic is high and there is no space for a runway, underground tunnels. At the moment, elevator access for the disabled is not available. However, handicapped individuals can cross the street to access transportation through gates painted with a wheelchair logo. Roofs in the stations are covered with a transparent plastic covering.
The buses are articulated Brazilian-made vehicles. These buses are manufactured by Volvo and can carry approximately 100 passengers, including standing passengers.
Security is provided by Guatemala City's transit police. Officers in fluorescent yellow vests are situated at most stations on the route. Sometimes security personnel ride on Transmetro.
Transmetro has shown that mass transit can be effective and useful, while keeping construction costs reasonable.