TransMilenio, Bus rapid transit system in Bogotá, Colombia
TransMilenio is a bus rapid transit network with dedicated lanes and elevated stations that crosses the Colombian capital. The red articulated buses stop at enclosed platforms where passengers board at the same level and doors open simultaneously with the bus.
The government launched the system in December 2000 after the mayor at the time decided to redirect funds from elevated highway projects into a ground-level rapid bus network. Since then, the network has grown step by step and now connects the main arteries of the city.
The network takes its name from the concept of moving people quickly across the capital and reflects the city's hope to improve daily life through shorter travel times. At the stations, people from all neighborhoods meet, and the platforms are often filled with street vendors and musicians using the waiting time.
Travelers need a rechargeable card that they can buy and load with credit at machines in every station. The stations are reached by stairs and ramps, and many offer bicycle parking spaces right at the entrance.
The large articulated buses can carry over 160 passengers at once and run in their own lanes that are closed to other vehicles. This reduced many commute times from two hours to less than one hour.
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