The Delayed Feeder Buses of Bogotá’s Metro: A Complex Future

As the anticipated inauguration date for Bogotá’s metro system draws near, a looming concern threatens to overshadow its launch—the feeder buses for key avenues such as Av. Ciudad de Cali, Av. 68, and Av. Boyacá may not be ready in time. This issue was brought into sharp focus by Bogotá’s city prosecutor, Andrés Castro, who warned of potential operational and financial risks due to these delays.

The Crucial Role of Feeder Buses

Feeder buses serve as a vital extension of the metro system, facilitating passenger access from various parts of the city to the main metro lines. Their importance cannot be overstated; without them, many citizens would face significant hurdles in utilizing the metro, thereby diminishing its intended impact on public transportation.

Challenges and Concerns

The construction delays are part of a larger narrative that includes a variety of infrastructural challenges within Bogotá. Despite the city’s ambitious projects, progress has often fallen short of expectations. For instance, when Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán reported a 64.85% completion rate for Line 1 of the metro in September 2025, it was noted as an impressive achievement considering the hurdles faced since its inception.

The specific case of the Av. 68 route is particularly telling. Contracted at the beginning of 2020, this project was expected to be over 80% complete by now but only reached a mere 44%. This shortfall reflects broader issues in project management and execution that Bogotá continues to grapple with.

Broader Implications

The prosecutor’s concerns extend beyond transit infrastructure. During his report on ‘Bogotá en Foco,’ Castro highlighted alarming trends in public safety, healthcare delivery, and waste management. With 1,000 firearms confiscated this year alone, a significant portion of the city’s surveillance system malfunctioning, delays in essential medication distribution, and minimal progress in addressing critical garbage collection sites, the challenges facing Bogotá are multifaceted.

A Call for Action

Amidst these concerns, Castro has urged the local administration to clarify whether it is necessary to expedite construction permits for permanent station facilities. This call to action reflects a broader need for transparency and efficiency in managing Bogotá’s urban development projects.

As Bogotá stands on the cusp of integrating its first metro line into daily life, the city faces not just an infrastructural test but also a critical opportunity to enhance public service delivery across multiple sectors. The success of this endeavor will depend largely on addressing these systemic issues and ensuring that all components of the transit system are ready to serve the population effectively.

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原始文章来源：Noticias RCN