The Metroplús: A combination of a bus, a tram and a metro.
The Metroplús is a part of the innovative transportation system of Medellín. Actually, public transportation is a big topic of public administration in the city. Indeed, it is one of the fundamentals of the famous urban change of the city. As part of the strategic plan for this change, the sustainable transportation system plays an important role in the social integration and the improvement of the life quality in the city.
Metroplús – Fast and safe.
The Metroplús is a bus because it has wheels, a Tram because it goes on specific trails and a Metro because it has its own bridges and tunnels. This mix makes it cheaper to build than a Metro and Tram, faster than a Bus and more flexible than a tram.
There are two lines, which have an extension of 26 km and 27 stations. As well as the TranvÍa, the Metro and the Metrocable, it is part of a bigger network.
The lines of the Metroplús:
The lines 1 and 2 have a very similar route. Indeed, both start at the Universidad de Medellín in Belén and end in Parque Aranjuez. However, while the Line 1 has 21 stations and is slightly quicker, the line 2 has 24 stations and takes a different route on the western side of the city. Both lines are good options if you want to change from the Metro (which is also fast). If you live in Belén, the connection to Industriales via Metroplús is a better option instead of walking all the way to the Estadio station.
Integration of the Metroplús with other transportation means:
The Metroplús is connected to:
- 5 Lines de Metrocable
- 1 Lines of Tranvía
- 2 Lines of Metro
- Different integrated buses
It is a feeding system built around the two original metro lines. For example, you can take a Metroplús bus to the station Industriales and then shift to the Metro without any extra fee. So basically, all of these public transportation modes complement each other. That way, the majority of Medellín is covered by transports.
However, shifting from one type of transport to another can sometimes result in additional costs. For instance, the integrated system of feeding buses called “integrados” charge you an additional fee of around 400 COP (0,13€). You can see the complete system in the map of the bus lines. The most up-to-date one you can find is on this site.
Prices
The standard fare for a Metro trip in Medellín is 2,650 COP (0,70€). However, if you use the Cívica card you will save 295 COP (0,08€) and only have to pay 2,355 COP.
Furthermore, when, for example, you have to take not only the Metro but also an integrated bus or a feeder, there may be additional charges. But whatever your route is, the most expensive trip costs $3,8555 COP (1.17€). You will never pay more. That fare applies when you have to take an integrated bus, the Metro and another integrated one again.
What is the CIVICA card?
The Cívica card is a card that gives you access to the Metro System of Medellín (Metro, Metroplús, Tranvía, Metrocable, Encicla y algunos buses). Although it is not mandatory to use it, it’s cheaper and the card is rechargeable with any amount. Besides, you don’t have to wait in the queue in the stations to buy tickets and you can make transport shifts without extra costs. The card itself hasn’t any costs either. Furthermore, it gives you access to the Encicla system and makes traveling on many of the integrated routes a lot easier. Also, you can get a personalized one with your ID or passport in the stations San Antonio, Niquía, Itagüi and San Javier without any costs in the time of Monday – Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., or Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Schedule:
Monday-Saturday:
Metro Line A, B, Tranvia, Metrocable: H, J, K, Metroplus: 1 y 2:
4:30 a. m. – 11:00 p. m.
Sundays and holidays
Metro Line A, B, Tranvía, Metroplus 1 y 2:
5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Metrocable H y K:
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Metrocable J:
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Metrocable to Parque Arvi (Line L)
Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 a. m. – 6:00 p. m.
Sunday and holidays: 8:30 a. m. – 6:00 p. m.
Doesn’t operate on Mondays.
Plans for the future:
The Metro already has a big network in the city due to its integration with different types of transport, but there is more to come. There is a Strategic Plan to expand this network until 2020:
- New Metroplús line between Itagüi and Envigado
- New tranvía on the Carrera 80
Meanwhile, there are plans to connect Rionegro and the airport José María Córdova with the city of Medellín through a Tranvía for 2020.
