Transvalparaíso - uncontrolled system Public transport is something that is used by many people in Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. What are people saying? And why does not comply with the tendering authorities had in 2007? JANA SIIM
little changed compared with the other system
For more information as the public transport system in Valparaiso and Vina del Mar really works and how has evolved over time, I went to see Edgardo Fagerström, Transport Engineer, Transport systems consultant. Edgardo tells me that the system has never well controlled AIDS in Chile. During the dictatorship of public transport is left to the market, and eventually realized that the system generated a great disadvantage; a completely unregulated market. Fagerström Edgardo tells me it was:
- The buses worked well in good times, for example when going to work, but later in the evening when people were few buses are disappearing.
Edgardo I keep explaining that in 2007 the Ministry of Transportation formed the "tender of travel" with the intention of improving the transport system in Greater Valparaíso. They joined the 44 public transport companies to form 10 larger. The companies changed the colors on the buses and took other routes - this would be the great success called Transvalparaiso.
But in reality it was not. Edgar says that although there were intentions to change things, to this day do not see many changes. The same problem continues. To name a few, paths inadequate, insecure, overwhelmed speed limits, drivers talking on cell phones, unstable prices, school discrimination, elderly, disabled.
One of the things that were supposed to change in 2007 was the GPS system for buses. Edgardo tells us how it went with that detail.
- Not installed, the buses remained the same, the GPS unit is not installed, only recently did a couple of months ago were installed GPS units, but they are not online, but many outdated deliver results days.
Edgardo keeps talking about you can not blame the drivers. The companies would not honor the rules and abuse their workers. The effect is a bad service.
- Drivers have to work almost more than 8 hours They work between 12-14 hours. People who have worked so long, many hours without rest, end up very stressed, they end up fighting the passenger.
The consequences of not complying with the rules is that people lose confidence in public transportation and prefer to travel by car. An increase in personal car is a major environmental hazard, local and global. Effects as an increased traffic hazard, noise, tacos and pollution within the city are some of the problems.
- Many people are buying cars because there are more facilities and is much more efficient operationally than the bus, "says Edgardo Fagerström.
Complicated live on the hill
For some people Transvalparaíso failures is part of life and accept it. Others are concerned if the situation. Andrés Muñoz is one of them. As usual user will have to live many complications respect to public transportation. A year ago he formed a group on facebook called " a decent transport for Granvalpaiso" where members have a platform to discuss their experiences the subject.
I meet up on a hill Andrés Viña del Mar, but because of the traffic blocks and rows in Viña del Mar, it took me some time to climb the hill. And I ask Andrew that complications have to get to work.
- The tours do not cover all the needs required. Sometimes you have to walk or take two buses to reach a destination. The routes are not fixed schedules. Much depends on whether the driver is in a hurry or not, I can not say, at 10 am will happen if or when this micro here in 10 minutes is going to happen next. Sometimes it takes 10 minutes, sometimes half an hour, so you have to go out and take the bus before, "says Andrew.
Federation of drivers
To better understand the situation of drivers decided to contact Postman Oscar Monsalve, president of Federation of Drivers of Valparaiso. We are outside the Labor Ministry in downtown Valparaiso. At our side we cries midday traffic. I wonder if the truth of the drivers is as explained by Edgardo Fagerström.
- Workers work 12-14 hours a day, tells me Oscar and continues:
- We have health problems, the bathrooms are in the terminals are in poor condition .
Oscar says that a driver today has a salary of about 20-25000 pesos daily. The gain depends entirely on how many tickets sold and then the employer usually pays about 15-20% of the tickets delivered to the company.
is lack of control that makes drivers have to work under so much stress and pressure. The authorities do not fulfill their promises of improvement, and Oscar as there was no change in the bidding for 2007.
- When the bidding began in 2007 we guarantee that we would have a day, a steady paycheck, terminals - conditioned as the law says, and none of them was fulfilled so far.
Alternative to micro
I wonder if you as a user of the means of transport can not choose other means of transport in Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. investigate public transport options I went to the office Merval, the company that runs underground all the way from Valparaiso to Limache. What advantages does the metro as a means of transportation?
The interviewee did not give his name, but he explains that the meter has many advantages: speed, price, safety. Cleaner and timely addition to time, and environmentally clean. On the other hand I do not understand what energy source is electricity.
Another way of electric transport in the city of Valparaiso is through the trolls. To investigate better how I went to talk to Alexis Bustos, General Manager Trolleybuses in Chile. His office is located above the Terminal Trolleys and painted with the same green that carry the Trolls. Alexis is nice and it shows he believes in his company. When I ask why you should choose the means of transportation Trolleys he answers with conviction
- The Trolley as such has a unique service, unique journey. Compared to conventional transport, it does not pollute, or acoustic or atmospherically. It is more comfortable, wider, safer. Because I do not walk at a speed are not allowed, which often makes conventional. So is a transport that has a preference in the elderly, all elderly, aging takes it. Children, students, who generally has no public transportation and prevents the trolley if you do. Then the trolley because of their characteristics, their movements, transmitting security, the extent they have, makes people's choice.
Working as a driver in the Trolley do not have to think about how many tickets you sell, because you earn a steady income of around 340 thousand dollars monthly for 7.5 hours. Apart from the productivity bonuses they receive. And Alexis Bustos still talking your company positively. It seems that there is nothing negative with the Trolls. Alexis says Trolleybuses in Chile is the only company of many of the tender Transvalparaiso since 2007, follows the rules. Terminal has cancels monthly working hours respects, even given, compliance rate, GPS, something that all companies should comply, says Alexis.
- is the only one that meets all the requirements elected to the base of the tender. The basis of the bid is a contract under public law between a licensee and the state you agree to comply with the service and a series of requirements.
Free Transportation
But I wonder, will be transported free ways? Where you do not have to think about costs and schedules?
On the way home I meet with John Paul and his blue bicycle. He gives me his answer. Juan Pablo says his form of transportation between Valparaiso and Vina is by bike and he explains why he does.
- Reasons are many, from pollution, from the cost savings, and also for quality life. So, biking by the sea that's incredible.
- One leaves waving in the street, because it is known that working out in the background. If you see many cyclists. Well anyway take much culture in this regard because there are people who think that leaving a bike is only a recreation, it's like sports or a sport passenger. But some people really do because it is their means of transportation to work. And of those there are many who work between Viña and Valparaiso and vice versa.
same disadvantages exist, for example someone who lives near the lot plan would not suit up cycling. Juan Pablo I also explained the risks that comes with riding a bike, when you have to walk in the ways old and unsafe.
- There is very little cycle lane here in Valparaiso, there is only one, which passes the people and is very difficult to walk there. In addition there is a gap between Viña and Valparaiso and there is nothing. No municipality is responsible and is quite dangerous for cyclists and also for people who walk. Considered that there are many people who move their bikes to work, says Juan Pablo.
Waiting for the next tender 2012
A Fagerstrom Edgardo asks how you would like to see the future and the bidding for next year 2012.
- Greater integration of a combined transport system, public - private. Transport systems as well. Use of elevators. We could work with groups in high communication based on the elevators, to encourage the use of lifts and cycling for example.
planning an integrated system and is made Merval said stations as intermodal which means that one can travel by underground and continue by bus for the same card. The company has already worked one in Limache since 2008 and wants to open five more, in Baron stations, Quilpue, acorns, the Americas, Villa Alemana and Peñablanca. Merval says the only thing missing is a response from the Ministry of Transport and his vision for the future would be a more integrated system.
The company Trolleybuses in Chile that is more interested in recovering the rights of Calle Pedro Montt, who was removed in 2007, and begin to work with a line there. Alexis Bustos is in talks with the Ministry of Transport to raise its vision.
Oscar Postman, chairman of the Federation of the drivers says
- hope that this year the authority was seriously put to work and implement an automated payment system for workers. It is the only way where there could be a solution and no more conflicts with anyone.
All interviewees are clear about how they want to change the system, as would be the most efficient way to improve public transport, to through an integrated system for metro, elevators, buses, buses and trolleys. Also with better cycle routes, but people would use the bike. What we all want and expect is an efficient and structured planning and now everything is in the hands of the authorities for a better contract next year. But not yet know what are the plans of the Ministry of Transport. But if the community wants a change would also have to give their views, said Edgardo Fagerström and ends by asking people to action.
Who is responsible?
There is much information and evidence of failure Transvalparaiso today. All respondents agree that the responsibility lies with the Ministry of Transport. And all are keen to know how they will work on the next tender 2012. With many questions and doubts about Transvalparaiso try several times to contact with the Ministry of Transportation, to no avail.