Transmetro

Transmetro
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A Transmetro bus in Guatemala City
A Transmetro bus in Guatemala City
Overview
OwnerGuatemala City
LocaleGuatemala City, Guatemala
Transit typeBus rapid transit
Number of lines8
Line numberLine 1, Line 2, Line 6, Line 7, Line 12, Line 13, Line 18, Route 5
Daily ridershipabout 120,000
Websitemuniguate.com/muni/transmetro/
Operation
Began operation3 February 2007
Operator(s)Municipalidad de la Ciudad de Guatemala (Municipality of Guatemala City)
Number of vehiclesAbout 300: ~13 bi-articulated buses, ~48 articulated buses, ~239 non-articulated buses
HeadwayAverage of 5 minutes during peak periods
Technical
Average speed60 km/h (40 mph)

Transmetro is a bus rapid transit system in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The first line opened on 3 February 2007. The fleet consists of modern Volvo buses made by Ciferal in Brazil. The buses have fixed stops and partly run on dedicated lanes, avoiding other traffic. Both stops and vehicles are guarded by municipal police. Service began in 2007 with a route between the City Hall (Municipalidad) and a market place at Centra Sur (Southern Transfer Station). The second route, Eje Central, started operations on August 14, 2010. This route serves the central corridor between 6th and 7th Avenue of Zones 1, 4, and 9.

Buses run down the middle of the street, are separated from other traffic, and stop at stations approximately every kilometre. The stations are in the middle of the street, near areas of heavy pedestrian activity. 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 tunnels. Elevator access for the disabled is not presently available. However, individuals requiring accessible entry 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 manufactured by Volvo and can carry approximately 100 passengers, including standing passengers.

Security is provided by Guatemala City's transit police, with officers in fluorescent yellow vests deployed at most stations on the route. Sometimes security personnel ride on the Transmetro.