Santo Domingo Metro

[Chirimoya]

I may have missed something over the last few months, but I only noticed that there were plans to construct an underground transport system for Santo Domingo when people started mentioning the controversial appointment of Diandino Pena to oversee this project.

From the BBC News website

Diandino Pena, an ex-public works secretary, is appointed to head a subway construction project.

As an environmentalist I am a strong supporter of promoting effective public transport, so a Metro system for Santo Domingo is - on paper - a good idea.

My questions are: is this the right time to be starting this when there are so many more urgent problems that need large amounts of cash?

On a more cynical note, is this destined to be yet another white elephant that makes a lot of money for people in government and their cronies the contractors, but does not end up benefiting the population?

Chiri

[newuser]

Does anyone know what the proposed routes are?

[Hillbilly]

1) Financing from Brazil
2) From Los Mina to Herrera, more or less along the 27 de Febrero route.
3) It is supposed to be above ground, sort of like the people mover in Miami

Who know what goes on in the minds of the Come solos??

HB

[TEHAMA]

You guys have any idea how much money that would take? US BILLIONS!! Above ground is cheaper, but either way I would not trust the dominican construction on such project.

I wouldn't look forward to riding the subway anytime soon.
TEHAMA

[suarezn]

Originally Posted by Hillbilly

Who know what goes on in the minds of the Come solos??

HB

HB: Please let's not start with that phrase again...I really hate it (cause it came from the PRD).

Anyhow, I think this is very stupid idea and it's just something designed to give this guy (Diandino) another chance to steal. Everyone knows this guy is corrupt. Where is The DR going to get the money for this? We're talking about 35 million USD per kilometer (that's the current estimate. I'm sure that the actual cost would be about twice that much). Brazil is not just going to give money for this...they may "lend it", as long as the companies contracted to do the work are from Brazil. In addition the fare will have to be subsidized, thus creating another huge amount of money the government will have to disburse on a regular basis (more taxes).
How about electricity? Won't they need to have it 24/7 for this to work?
The only way I would support this is if it was financed and operated completely by the private sector.
Not going to happen...

[Lambada]

From what I read the other day, they have yet to launch a feasibility study (although in the back of my mind I recall this being discussed a while back). It would also seem that they will be careful not to upset the Transport Unions, clarifying that in no way is the Metro meant to replace publicos & gua-guas.http://www.elcaribe.com.do/articulo_...49F&Seccion=63

[ERICKXSON]

Sometimes i wonder what the hell goes on in some of the board readers and contribuitors...... YES WHAT THE HEll?

1. a subway is a great idea less people destroying the enviroment

2. 24/7 light for the country or atleast the SUBWAY and thus less gas comsuption for the masses since less people will be using cars

3. less freaking traficccccccccccccccccccccc!

4. no more (CONCHOS) in the near future

5. and so on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! look at the positive side of things.

Now why you think Dominicans can't pull that project off? what makes Dominican less than your kind (PLEASE DON'T RIDE THE SUBWAY).

[Pib]

I will reserve my approval or dissaproval pending more information. Kneejerking is not my style.

In principle I am for it. We need better public transport, and say as you wish, but while many people decried the construction that went on during Leonel's governemnt I drove in Santo Domingo before, during and after the construction and I have no doubt in my mind, whatsoever, that it was a good thing. OMSA was also a great step, but we know what the PRD did with it.

We need decent, dignified, reliable, and confortable public transportation. If we get that even I will be glad to leave my car at home often as I am not really all that fond of driving. OMSA was the closest we got to that, but it was just the start and it sunk like a rock during the past government.

[TEHAMA]

If it sounds harsh, sorry. I have worked with numerous civil construction projects. It would very nice to have. However, a country that can't quite manage the electricity bill will not be able to manage a subway. Notice I dont deny the possibly of an above ground light rail project.

Financing from Brazil?? If I recall Curitba, Brazil has a most unique Public Transit System where stretch buses act like trains through a dedicated right-of-way. They called it a BUS RAPID TRANSIT, I think. San Fran, Atlanta and Las Vegas were all hot on this idea at one time. Maybe even Chicago and Portland. This type service is most inexpensive and very possible.

Just my two pesos,
TEHAMA

[thick_neck]

Cynicism gets the best of me, too.

-thick