Transantiago vis-à-vis Asia-Pacific public transport

Singapore has a transport system that operates as a network involving modern buses, trains and taxis. In Beijing, most people prefer to travel by bus, forgoing all other forms of transportation. Chile, however, implemented the highly controversial Transantiago Plan. The planning, operation and overall effectiveness of this Chilean project are still being questioned.

February 10, 2009, marks the two-year anniversary of the Transantiago launch, which was aimed at modernizing the public transport system in Santiago. Febraury 12 will mark the first fare hike in the two-year period. Despite efforts, Transantiago continues to be roundly criticized by the general public.

A recent study of Transantiago by Universidad Catolica Silva Henriquez, revealed that, as of December 2008, 60% of users believe the system has not improved the overall quality of public transport. Additionally, 70% felt that no benefits had been achieved versus the pre-Transantiago system.

These results contrast with data obtained in a Dictuc (Universidad Catolica) study, which showed a decrease in morning rush hour wait times. The Dictuc study asserts Transantiago’s “crisis” of 2008 has been overcome and that the system is approaching international levels of acceptable public transport.

To make a more objective evaluation of Transantiago’s functionality, it is a good idea to learn more about other transport systems. Asia has used technology to launch its systems. Two Asian cases, in particular, bear review: Singapore and China.

Efficiency vs. accuracy

Singapore is a nation of 699.4 square kilometers or half the size of Santiago. It is home to nearly 4 million inhabitants, according to its latest census. Singapore’s transportation system is one of the most efficient in the world, according to most estimates and has an automated subway line which runs 20 kilometers, along with exclusive tracks, specialized stops and an adequate signaling system connected to 300 bus stops which cover the entire country.

According to the Nation Master website, the Singapore public transportation system handles 5 million trips per day; trips that include 52.4% of the population.

Singapore and Transantiago both employ a centralized, State-run system. The Ministry of Transport in Singapore supervises public transport, while private-sector taxi and bus fleets cover assigned routes. The Ministry decided early on to provide users with the necessary information to enable them to choose the best option (bus, taxi, subway) in a given moment, thereby decreasing dependence on any single medium.

Singapore is currently constructing an automatic bypass system which will operate without human train operators. The change is expected to increase the amount of stops and overall timeliness. The manufacturer is Phillip Mellier, which also provides Santiago its subway train.

A complex transportation system

According to the City of Beijing website, the city has 16 million inhabitants (equal to the entire population of Chile) and 3.5 million vehicles. Most bus drivers do not speak English, which is why tourists should write their destination in Chinese. Rush hours tend to be very crowded, according to the many sources in Beijing.

Economic growth has led to an excessive increase in the purchase of automobiles, hampering the entire transport system in the Chinese capital. It is also considered one of the most polluted cities in the world. The pollution is combined with poor environmental measures.

Currently, Beijing has eight subway lines which run 200 kilometers. Most of its buses run on natural gas. Tickets for all bus routes were reduced to one Yuan (90 Chilean pesos) for those who pay in cash. Travelers with transport cards (that work with a prepaid system) enjoy a discount of between 60 and 80%, which contributes to an increase in the use of public transport by many commuters.

Transantiago for a while

For two years, when that was implemented this system have been developed to alleviate the problems of design and planning, to be questioned so far.

The Ministry of Transport in Chile plans to renew between 58%-73% of the bus fleet in 2009. It will continue the complicated task of improving routes and purchase new cars for the subway line. In fact, these will be added to the 200 that have been added since Transantiago’s launch.

Transport Minister Cortázar also highlighted the advantages and construction of clearly-marked pathways, which help to reduce congestion. He also mentioned a decline in assaults on subway users, due to the prepaid commuter card which allows travelers to board without the need to carry cash.

Despite this positive assessment, Rep. Alejandro García-Huidobro (UDI), feels that the Transantiago bottom line has been negative. In his opinion, Transantiago is the product of "the most disastrous public policy being in recent years. It has impacted the lives of millions of Santiago residents, who have to wake up earlier, wait for longer periods of time in lines. Most arrive home later, too. This impacts both their quality of life with the family and at work."

However, not all legislators share this opinion. There is a sector that is able to see the progress of the capital's transport system. Senator Camilo Escalona (PS) supports the track record of the government on Transantiago. "Our (pre-Transantiago) system generated a great deal of accidents in which passengers died. We were living under a Survival of the Fittest mentality. All this came to an end thanks to the Transantiago initiative.”

During late 2009, the city of Concepción will launch a public transport system similar to Transantiago. Roberto Sone, general manager at TIMM in Mexico, will bring the latest Japanese ITS technology to Chile.  TIMM will provide wireless transmission of data for use in the collection of public transport fares. However, Rep. Mario Venegas (DC), who is chairman of the congressional Committee on Public Works, Transport and Telecommunications, disagrees with this initiative and believes it is neither appropriate nor a formula that guarantees an improvement in the public transport system.