By criticizing the transportation system of Bogotá, President Gustavo Petro raised concerns about how projects like Transmilenio and the Metro have drained the country’s resources. He expressed his frustration by stating,
“The city has incurred excessive debt to simply cater to private businesses, disregarding public welfare. The focus on Transmilenio trunk lines has drained Bogotá’s resources and energy pointlessly.”
Petro highlighted that instead of reducing travel times, the mass transit system has actually increased them. He pointed out,
“Transportation infrastructure should ideally decrease travel times within the city. However, in contrast, Transmilenio is causing delays. By shifting focus from measuring time on individual routes to evaluating the system’s impact on overall city speed, we see a negative trend.”
Regarding the construction of Bogotá’s Metro project, Petro engaged in a longstanding debate with former Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán about whether it should be an elevated or underground system. Criticizing the elevated option, Petro argued that it would not improve travel times. He emphasized that investments in an elevated metro only serve to prolong citizens’ commutes across the city.
Petro lamented the missed opportunity for Bogotá to develop a robust railway system over 50 years ago as a central mobility solution. He blamed influential property developers and private bus transport owners for obstructing efficient public transportation development. According to him, their actions have deteriorated citizen quality of life and marred the city’s aesthetic appeal.
In conclusion, President Petro strongly asserted that
“the elevated metro being constructed devalues our cityscape, diminishes quality of life for residents, and reduces available public spaces.”
His words reflect deep concerns about urban planning decisions impacting citizens’ daily lives and shaping Bogotá’s future landscape without adequate consideration for long-term benefits.
As debates continue over transportation infrastructure choices in Bogotá, it remains crucial for policymakers to prioritize sustainable solutions that enhance both mobility efficiency and residents’ well-being.
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