TransSantiago

By Cameron

The public transportation system is the most controversial topic in Santiago. Michelle Bachelet, the first female President of Chile who had won over the country with her progressive ideals and continued efforts to compete in the global market, has seen her approval rating drop well below 50% in the last two years for one reason: TranSantiago. For a country scarred by brutal dictatorship in the 70s and 80s (see Pinochet), and considering a steadily growing economy and vastly improved social conditions, its surprising that public transportation is the primary political concern of most Santiagans. But like any other place, people seem to be most concerned with what most obviously affects their daily lives.
TransSantiago was created to unify and streamline the public transport system, by connecting the Metro (subway) lines with established bus routes. The new system went into effect just 2 years ago. Prior to this, busses were operated by dozens of private companies. Micros (busses) and Collectivos (minibuses) literally raced around and across the entire city, picking up as many passengers as possible. Speed limits were not enforced, and buses routes were not zoned. From what I understand it was chaotic and dangerous, but cheap and time effective.
Now there are only TranSantiago busses that operate within specified zones. Busses are frequent, but going to and from areas without metro service, the crowds build faster than some busses can load them. Commuting is complicated for many passengers because they are also required to transfer between zones. Major bottlenecks occur at these transfer stations. Rides are also very uncomfortable at peak hours when it’s more common to stand than sit. Most citizens of Santiago realize the system needed an overhaul, but they are very dissatisfied with the slow transition that has resulted in larger crowds and longer wait times. At present, most people are calling for more busses and extra routes.
More than 1/3 of Chileans citizens, or 6 million people, live in Santiago. The majority take public transit everyday. Like the US, the average person in Santiago works a long day. The work day starts for most people by 8:00 AM and ends around 5 or 6 PM. Many people spend one-two hours in transit, one way. At rush hour the subways and buses are packed full, with people standing in aisles and mashed up against the doors and windows. The few available seats are usually occupied by elderly folks and pregnant women, while everyone else is left standing, pressed against one another on all sides. Metros don’t have enough handles for everyone to hold, and bus drivers maneuver through traffic like maniacs, regularly slamming on breaks, causing standing passengers to depend on one another for balance and leverage. On an 80-90 degree day, this is unbearable. (Being aware of your wallet/bag is an added stress.) At certain combination hot spots, mobs of impatient people crowd the sidewalks and metro stations. The concept of forming lines and waiting your turn is non-existent, except at popular transfer locations where TranSantiago employees are sent to regulate crowds and loading, despite being deliberately ignored by an aggressive minority.
When a train or bus arrives, people cut, crowd and push toward the doors even before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Picture a rugby scrum with handbags, where little old ladies also hold their own by using elbows to pry through the mob at waist height. Debbie has spent at least one trip literally pressed up against the front window of a bus, with armpits and butts in her face, and I have been elbowed in the sternum by a grandma. People regularly step right in front of us when the doors open. The only way to avoid being pushed aside is to stubbornly defend your space in the crowd. In my opinion, the citizens of Santiago need to take some ownership and responsibility of their own to make the system run more smoothly, which may require some education. Simply allowing a few extra minutes of travel time and learning to wait in line would go a long way. Unfortunately, Chileans are not known for arriving early. Most are already late. This may be an unfair generalization but I feel qualified to have an opinion since 3-4 times per week Debbie and I spend 2 hours per day in transit hell.
Though still very problematic, TranSantiago will eventually be a great victory for this city. Already the streets and busses are safer and the fledgling system is slowly becoming more efficient. It is also a step in the right direction toward better air quality since busses are now subject to emissions standards. There is space and potential for better infrastructure as well, like improved roads, additional travel lanes, and additional metro lines. For now the best strategy is to avoid rush hour whenever possible, when travel is faster, cheaper, and far less crowded. By doing this you actually get a glimpse of an efficient public transit system.