MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

French company suggests building suburban train lines in Montevideo

In addition to shortening travel times, the company highlighted comfort and security benefits

The French consortium Setec conducted a feasibility study for a passenger train connecting Montevideo and Florida, Uruguay, with service potentially starting in 2030. The study, submitted to the Uruguayan government, proposes two lines—Montevideo to 25 de Agosto and Montevideo to Progreso—using the Central Railway infrastructure with relatively low investment.

Daily ridership is estimated at 19,500 to 37,700, depending on fares, with service frequencies of 20–30 minutes. The busiest section is within Montevideo, with key stops at Colón and Sayago. Infrastructure upgrades include an additional platform at Canelones and a train garage at Carnelli.

The train would save about 5 minutes per trip compared to current public transport, offering comfort and safety. Setec recommends enhancing the Central Railway as a public transport backbone, improving infrastructure, intermodality, pricing, and information.

Energy options include diesel, electric catenary, or hydrogen hybrid, with costs varying based on electricity prices.

The study, carried out after an agreement with the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, stated that daily ridership demand could vary between 19,500 and 37,700, depending on the cost of the fare. With a UY$ 79 (slightly less than US$ 2) fare, demand would be 19,500 users, while with a UY$ 45 (barely above US$ 1) fare, it would amount to 37,700.

The study suggests that three trains each way per hour would be required to meet demand in the lowest fare scenarios. Each train would have a capacity of 516 passengers, with an occupancy margin of 75-80%. For higher fares, frequency would be reduced to one or two trains per hour.

In addition to shortening travel times, the company highlighted comfort and security benefits.