Is a metro system in Guatemala Feasible?

Frequently, when proposing the construction of a Metro as a solution for Guatemala's public transportation's problem, questions on its feasibility arise, as though it where some kind of Utopia.

Doubts come in the order of its physical, administrative, economic and even personal safety issues. The answer from an architect's, engineer's, and operation's perspective, is: YES it is very feasible, because in the las 150 years, hundreds of cities through out the globe have successfully dealt with similar problems, in situations that are even more challenging. (For example, Chile and Mexico's complicated geological characteristics.)

Guatemala's technical conditions are quite favorable; its topographic conditions (Fairly flat in most of trajectories where the Metro could work), a city layout that has defined its principle arteries, very stable and easy to work soil conditions, with plaza's and ideal locations for above ground lines, access & transference stations and with an old railroad that although conceded, is screams the need for its own use.

Just like its technical, social and environmental aspects, that on a first glance seem very positive, the financial details of the project will determine whether the idea is economically lucrative or even sustainable. Research should be considered eminent; Its results will probably be the base on which the project could be financed.

In this case, we are talking about a system who's initial development costs surpass the billion dollar mark, and who's operational costs are being unjustly compared to those of the subsidized bus system. The bus system, although uncomfortable, hard to transfer from one rout to the other, unsafe, slow, contaminating and stressful, is the cheapest way to get from one point of the city to another. Its important to recognize that the increase in oil prices, is making the idea of bus transportation being cheap, less true every day.

The passengers cost of riding a bus, should not be the only factor when analyzing and calculating the aspects in relation to the cost-benefits of the two systems. The bus system itself also creates costs in other venues, like the economics behind the country's massive fuel importations, pollution, traffic and quality of life. This is specially true when considering that we are thinking of a Metro system that runs on locally produced hydro-electric energy.

Other factors worth including are: a) The estimated value of the time it takes for labor forces to move through out the city; a number in the billions. B) The revitalization that the Metro System would give to deteriorated parts of the city and its subsequent increase in the municipality's tax income.

Again, I insist, we should start to think big and seriously. We need to start studying this solution with a dead serious attitude, to make it feasible in a few years. Reducing risks and maximizing results; of this depends its feasibility and economic impact. Guatemala undoubtedly has the human resource to make this kind of research a reality.

Escrito por Eduardo Aguilar.

You can find detailed information about the Metro Proposal in http://www.alfapenta.com