Quito Metro

The Quito Metro (Spanish: Metro de Quito), abbreviated as MDQ, is a rapid transit system consisting of a single line in Quito, the capital of Ecuador.

Quito Metro
Overview
Native nameMetro de Quito
LocaleQuito, Pichincha, Ecuador
Transit typeRapid transit
Number of lines1
Number of stations15
WebsiteMetro de Quito (in Spanish)
Operation
Began operation2 May 2023
Number of vehicles18 CAF EMUs[1]
Technical
System length22 km (14 mi)[2]
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification1,500 V DC from overhead catenary
Average speed37 kilometres per hour (23 mph)[1]
System map

History

Construction on the main south and north stations began in December 2012. Construction of the metro line itself began in January 2016.[3] The metro was projected to be operational by August 2020,[4] but the opening was delayed numerous times.

The official inauguration was held on 21 December 2022,[5] and commercial service started on 2 May 2023.[6] After technical problems plagued the launch, service was shut down on 11 May.[7] The metro is not expected to reopen until December 2023, and full service will not be achieved until the second quarter of 2024.[8]

System

The system's first line, which will include 15 stations, extends from Quitumbe (which is to the south of the city) to El Labrador (which is to the north of the city). The 15 stations on this line are, from north to south:[9]

Only one of the stations, the one in Plaza de San Francisco (by the San Francisco monastery), will be placed in the historic center of Quito (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978).[3] Due to archaeological remains found at the proposed site of the San Francisco station in late 2016, the station will be moved two blocks further south to Plaza 24th of May, and the remains will not be disturbed further.

Every station is painted in a distinct color to help with passenger orientation.[10]

The design of Line 1 allows for a further five stations between those initially constructed to be built if demand warrants, and for a potential 5 km extension northwards to the Ofelia bus terminal.

Network Map

References
  1. "First Quito metro train delivered". September 6, 2018. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  2. "La línea del metro de Quito será subterránea". 22 June 2011.
  3. Osava, Mario (30 November 2016). "Subway Will Modernise – and Further Gentrify – Historic Centre of Quito". Inter Press Service. Retrieved 20 December 2016.
  4. "La tarifa es el talón de Aquiles del Metro de Quito". El Comercio (in Spanish). 6 August 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  5. https://www.laprensalatina.com/phased-opening-of-quito-metro-kicks-off-in-ecuador/
  6. Schwandl, Robert. "Quito". urbanrail.
  7. "Estas son las razones por las que el Metro de Quito suspendió actividades". El Comercio (in Spanish). 11 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  8. "Operación del Metro de Quito se iniciará en diciembre de 2023". El Comercio (in Spanish). 29 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  9. "El Proyecto - Introducción" [The Project - Introduction] (in Spanish). Metro de Quito. Retrieved 2015-03-31.
  10. "La ciudad recibe las estaciones Jipijapa e Iñaquito del Metro de Quito". Quito Metro. 3 May 2021.
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