Los Teques Metro

Infobox Public transit
name = Los Teques Metro


imagesize = 100px
locale = Los Teques
transit_type = Rapid transit
began_operation = November 3, 2006
system_length = km to mi|9.5|precision=1|abbr=yes
lines = 1
stations = 2
ridership =
track_gauge = RailGauge|sg (standard gauge)
operator = Compañía Anónima Metro Los TequesThe Los Teques Metro is a suburban mass-transit system that is being built in the city of Los Teques, Venezuela with connections to important surrounding cities and communities. It was opened to public service on November 3, 2006.

Presently, the system connects the city with Caracas. It is adscribed to the Venezuelan government and the Ministry of Infrastructure. The government of Miranda State and the mayorship of the Guaicaipuro Municipality are also financing its development.

In its actual (first) stage, it runs for 9.5 km (6 miles) parallel to the San Pedro River, establishing a link between Las Adjuntas station 900 meters above sea level to the "Alí Primera (formerly El Tambor)" station 1300 meters above sea level in Los Teques, with a fifteen minutes travel calculated in between, and no intermediate stops.

Presently, Los Teques Metro only operates between these 2 stations, however, additional stations are now under construction.

History

The subway plans date back to 1982, when it was first proposed. However, it wouldn't be until October 19 1998 when the "C.A. Metro Los Teques" transit corporation was created in order to carry out management, administrative duties and civil works related to the project. It was supposed to alleviate the congestion of the Panamerican Highway and ease commuting between the two cities, because of their proximity.

Construction for the first phase began in 2001 with works including the cannalization of the San Pedro River, the tunneling and building of the bridges until reaching "Las Adjuntas". It is estimated that the project cost was about 800 million US dollars.

The metro system began with restricted operations:

*1 railway through a single tunnel;
*1 or 2 trains;
*Monday to Friday service between 5:15 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and later from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.;
*limited weekend service,on November 3, 2006.

Operations

The second rail within the same tunnel was formally inaugurated October 22, 2007. Trial and testing period continued with additional trains and full 7 day service from 5:10 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. implemented on November 19, 2007.

The ride between "Las Adjuntas" and "Alí Primera" as of January 2, 2007 is 1,500 bolívares (1.5 bolívares fuertes, 75 US cents) for a one way ride and the price includes a subway ride within the Caracas Metro network.

Future expansion

Construction of the extension formally started March 20, 2007. This extension known as Line 2 to the system will be 12 km (7.5 miles) with 3 new stations within the city, 2 in nearby communities and finally terminating in San Antonio de Los Altos with the central Los Teques stations opening in 2010 and 100% completion is expected by 2012.

Line 2 adds six stations that are currently under construction are:

* "La Hoyada", Guaicaipuro inauguration for 2010
* "Independencia", Miranda inauguration for 2010
* "Los Cerritos"
* "Carrizal"
* "Las Minas"
* "San Antonio"

Line 3 has been proposed 18.5 km (12 miles) to be awarded by 2010 and completed by 2015. It will commence from San Antonio and connect some communities before looping towards the La Rinconada Caracas Metro Station.

* "La Morita"
* "San Diego"
* "Potrerito"
* "La Mariposa"
* "La Rinconada"

Lines

See also

* Caracas Metro
* Maracaibo Metro
* Valencia Metro
* List of rapid transit systems
* Transportation in Venezuela
* IAFE Venezuelan National Railway

External links

* [http://www.metrolosteques.gob.ve Metro Los Teques] - Official website