Chile’s Transantiago for Tourists
Thursday, February 22nd, 2007With Chile ushering in a new bus transport system in february 2007, travellers to Santiago as well as our own guests to Casa Newen Bed and Breakfast are having to learn about the new system called “Transantiago” which replaces the old choatic yellow buses that plagued Santiago with excessive noise, pollution and wild bus drivers!
With the majority of people happy to get rid of the old bus system, there are know new routes and bus stops to get where your going, There is also a new “bip!” transport card, which is the only way to board the new buses using their card swipe system.
Once you have located a “bip!” card seller (usually at your closest Metro station) you can purchase the new card for $1000 Chilean pesos. Each ride costs $370 Chilean pesos and lasts for 1hr and 30 minutes. Now you can use the new transport system which includes access to the Metro using your “bip!” card.
But how do you know where you are going? Well Transantiago has each area of Santiago in a different bus colour, which will only travel inside that specific area. For example you know you are in Providencia if you see an orange bus.
If you wish to travel to another area of Santiago you must board the special green buses which work as connections to other routes
Below i have printed all the colored routes and hopefully the next time you are in Santiago you will know how to get around!
Area “A” Color “White” Section “Santiago”
Area “B” Color “Red” Section “Independencia, Huechuraba, Quilicura, Recoleta, Conchali y Renca”
Area “C” Color “Orange” Section “Lo Barnechea, Providencia, Las Condes y Vitacura”
Area “D” Color “Yellow” Section “Penalolen, La Reina, Macul y Nunoa”
Area “E” Color “Light Blue” Section “La Florida y La Granja”
Area “F” Color “Purple” Section “Puente Alto”
Area “G” Color “Blue” Section “San Bernardo, La Cisterna, San Ramon, La Pintana y El Bosque”
Area “H” Color “Pink” Section “Pedro Aguirre Cerda, San Joaquin, San Miguel y Lo Espejo”
Area “I” Color “Green” Section “Estacion Central, Cerrillos y Maipu”
Area “J” Color “Silver” Section “Quinta Normal, Cerro Navia, Pudahuel y Lo Prado”
If you read spanish you can get further information at the official Transantiago site at www.transantiago.cl