Bogota Metro Line 1: Project Profile

The Bogota Metro Line 1 is a landmark elevated mass rapid transit (MRT) project engineered to transform urban mobility in Colombia’s capital. This 24-kilometer automated line aims to alleviate chronic traffic congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and integrate with the existing TransMilenio BRT network. The project is being delivered under a comprehensive Design-Finance-Build-Operate-Maintain-Transfer (DFBOMT) concession model.

Technical Specifications

Line 1 is constructed entirely on a U-shaped elevated viaduct, minimizing ground-level disruption. The route features 16 stations, ten of which are designed as intermodal hubs connecting directly with the TransMilenio Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The project’s rolling stock consists of 140-meter-long, high-capacity trains supplied by CRRC Changchun, each capable of carrying up to 1,800 passengers. The line will operate with a Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) driverless system, managed by a state-of-the-art Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system to ensure high frequency and safety. All maintenance, stabling, and repair operations will be centralized at a dedicated 32-hectare workshop and depot facility.

Key Takeaways

• Multimodal Integration: The project’s core design principle is its deep integration with the existing TransMilenio BRT system, creating a unified and highly efficient public transport network for Bogota.
• Sustainable Urban Development: By offering a high-capacity electric transit alternative, the metro is projected to reduce GHG emissions by over 900,000 tonnes by 2049, directly contributing to Colombia’s climate goals.
• Innovative Financial Model: The DFBOMT concession, backed by major international financiers like the World Bank, EIB, and IDB, establishes a benchmark for funding and delivering large-scale infrastructure projects in Latin America.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Bogota Metro Line 1 open?

The first phase of Bogota Metro Line 1 is projected to commence commercial operations in late 2025 or early 2026. This is subject to the successful completion of all construction, systems integration, and safety testing protocols.

Who is building the Bogota Metro?

The Bogota Metro is being built by the APCA Transmimetro Consortium. This group is led by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and Xi’an Metro Company. The automated driverless trains are manufactured and supplied by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles.