includes money for Biovías II Bachelet Commitment
comprehensive transport plan implemented by President Lagos in 2004-2005 spent $ 140 million. Second phase, expected by the mayor, has no funding for next year.
On 23 November last year, Michelle Bachelet, then presidential candidate, DIOA know your proposal for the region and promised Biobío a "Biovías II."
It was the continuation of the successful model developed by President Ricardo Lagos during the years 2004 - 2005, which provided $ 140 million to the Company of the State Railways (EFE) to run within two years an ambitious "Integrated Transport Plan" which included runners Paicaví (Design), Pedro Aguirre Cerda (San Pedro de la Paz) and Manuel Rodríguez (Chigwell), plus Biotren and bicycle lanes.
However, in the draft 2007 Budget Law submitted to Congress by the government are not considered resources to run a Biovías II EFE, with projects like Biotren extension to the Colonel, "Lota Penco south and the north-Tomé. The initiative
only include resources to move forward, slowly some of the draft Transportation Master Plan developed in 2002 as engineering design Talcahuano Columbus axis.
remain to public transport corridors to the municipalities of Coronel, Penco and Tomé, which are long awaited aspirations of those communities, and that will make a major urban renewal, similar to that experienced in the shaft Paicaví Conception.
are also without specifying the "transfer stations" of Biotren in Talcahuano and Chigwell, they were an essential part of "integrated transport plan," which regarded the buses as "feeders" of the train.
This explains that EFE has not met its goals of movement of passengers waiting to capture 5% of users of Great Conception, which holds services Biotren very underutilized in their ability.
The company has not given figures for its economic performance in the area, although it is expected that losses since it started operation in November last year, remain substantial. Close to the company indicate that in an attempt to reduce these operational losses explained the decision to higher capacity rolling stock on more profitable services such as Rancagua-Santiago. Journal
* SOUTH. Saturday October 14, 2006. Rail
Biovías Results threaten extension to Colonel and took penquista Railroad today carries 150 000 passengers per month, well below what was announced to launch the project: 550 000.
Biotren operational costs this year added $ 1,011 million, which will not manage to be covered by ticket revenue. Results
put into question the aspirations of extending passenger service to brokers and Coronel-Lota Penco, Tomé.
"Integrating modal"
Biotren few passengers left unfinished plan penquista Strong investment in rail during 2004-2005 period might not have the expected social return.
The Biotren not taking off. The new short-distance rail services launched in the Grand Design in November last year have failed to obtain the social returns justify the investment of $ 39 billion.
The number of passengers carried by the Biotren borders the 150,000 per month, which is far from the projected 550,000 passengers per month to be announced in January 2004 when Biovías project was presented in SurActivo.
against the fulfillment of that goal has plotted the long postponement of the bidding for the buses, which expired on October 26, 2005, and has not been complied with service premise "feeders" of the train. Operate only two runs of "Biobus" a South Carriel Collao, with few passengers.
This is compounded by claims that during the July time were two trains, which were flooded at the station of Hualqui Omer Huet, and its replacement-to-date by a railway that operated in the oldest section Rancagua-Santiago.
According to a letter sent by William Díaz Silva, president EFE, at the request of Deputy Andrew Egaña UDI, operating costs Biotren service for 2006 will reach $ 1,010 million. Of these, $ 76 million are personal expenses and $ 934 million maintenance costs and supplies.
These bad results, according to the senator, to believe that the plan of "modal integration" will remain unfinished and put into question the aspirations of extending passenger service to brokers and Coronel-Lota Penco, Tomé. Mayors
expectant The mayor of Coronel, René Carvajal Zúñiga said that since the government has assured that there are committed resources to conduct a feasibility study of commuter rail extension to comuna.Sin however, said ignoring the terms thereof. In Tome, meanwhile, the village headman Aguilera Eduardo Aguilera said the train I took was a commitment of Ricardo Lagos and Michelle Bachelet, and should be respected. Said the service would promote tourism, the main vocation of the coastal community. Journal
* SOUTH. Sunday October 15, 2006
Instituto Libertad y Desarrollo
They ask
Biotren feasibility study EFE losses totaled $ 25 billion 600 million last year. One of their services biggest loss for this year is the railroad penquista.
A recent report by the Institute for Liberty and Development (L & D), which examines the status of the Company of the State Railways (EFE), concludes that "it is necessary to seek out cost-benefit analysis showing the feasibility of passenger services offered by EFE, especially Biovías and service between Victoria and Puerto Montt, inaugurated last year. "
The study of L & D said that according to the organic law of EFE, the firm must finance its operation. However, year to year, EFE continues to show losses, which in 2005 reached $ 25 billion 600 million.
"The Treasury, through the Budget Act, investment funds, compensation for inequality, for the subsidy payment that compensates the existing road freight transport, and compensation per year of service for staff who joined the company before 1991 ".
adds that since 2005 no compensation was given the inequality, because the cargo is private, and requested a study to assess the need to continue to fund this item.
to make an assessment of Triennial Plans EFE, Freedom and Development concluded that in the past five years, even though it has invested to increase the railway, passengers carried have declined and the cost per passenger (loss of the year, fiscal support for investment and debt service) have increased.
In fact, while in 2000 EFE carried 13,193 passengers in 2001 climbed to 16,090, in 2002 dropped to 14,052, in 2003 stood at 14,440, dropped to 13,328 in 2004 and 2005 carried only 11,321 passengers.
"While passenger rail is not funded anywhere in the world," says Libertad y Desarrollo, and considering that the service road passenger transport in our country is of good quality and is funded privately, the need to rethink need for rail passengers. " Low transparency
Biovías
Rep. Andrew Egaña Respaldiza (UDI) accused the government of lack of transparency in the actual project costs Biovías which ran from 2004-2005, whose second stage is part of the campaign promises of President Bachelet.
notes that through trades requested EFE through the Chamber of Deputies, was reported in October 2004 that the total project investment Biovías would be U.S. $ 144 million, in April this year published the official memory of Biovías, that is a figure of $ 155 million, and finally, a new trade that is answered in June This year, the amount reaches the equivalent of U.S. $ 170 million.
The MP expressed surprise because in the office of 2004 stated to be purchased 9 vehicles, which declined to 7 last year, with a total investment of U.S. $ 18.3 million.
Nor, he added, it is unclear when the benefits of the Transport Plan will reach the towns of Penco, Tomé, Coronel and Lota, originally announced as part of Biovías. Journal
* SOUTH. Monday October 16, 2006. Authorities remain silent
Nebula by Biovías and plan future of transport penquista By Nello Rolleri V.
Biovías Is he alive?. The "mark" that the government promoted for two years for the plan of U.S. $ 155 million, which would create an "integrated transport", is rapidly losing its value, simply because the entity to which he belonged, the Railway Company State (EFE), decided not to give continuity.
In fact, today there is an office or a representative of Biovías and the future of their 'projects' partners such as the Biotren and Biobus, are enveloped in a cloud to the public. This
after the parliament last weekend in the area "Leaked" that the draft 2007 Budget Law was not a gloss to what was called "Biovías II", which was one of the campaign promises of President Michelle Bachelet, but nobody really knows what question.
not a minor matter, because Biovías was based on the "Master Plan for Transport of Great Design 2002-2012," which developed Sectra, which identified over fifty projects needed to improve the infrastructure of all communities that are part of the metropolitan area Concepción, who took part in the north and arrives at Lota in the south.
however, only included Biovías roadworks in Concepcion (Prat, Padre Hurtado and Paicaví), San Pedro de la Paz (Pedro Aguirre Cerda) and Chigwell (Manuel Rodríguez). Without road works were Hualpén, Talcahuano, Penco, Tomé, Hualqui, Coronel and Lota.
That means that there intercomunal incomplete transport plan, which has no "modal integration train-bus" finished, which explains the low occupancy levels Biotren, which carries (as of April) 150 000 passengers per month, very below the 550,000 passengers who considered the plan presented by President Ricardo Lagos in January 2004.
Despite the disturbing information that "Biovías II" no funding, or EFE or Maria Soledad Tohá intendenta have agreed to speak on the subject. Axis
May 21-Columbus Rep. Raul Súnico Galdámez (PS) said he is concerned about the pending highway projects for his district of Talcahuano.
why it has taken steps for next year at least begin the detailed engineering studies for the shaft May 21-Columbus.
is a large work, which is part of a structural axis for Hualpén communes and Talcahuano, with an area of \u200b\u200b12 km between the overpass Prat (sector Manuel Rodriguez) to the plaza above the anchor port.
The idea of \u200b\u200bthe parliamentarian is to continue with the Master Plan for Transport 2002, which means building here a new public transport corridor, as it exists in Paicaví and Manuel Rodriguez, a total of four tracks of lateral movement for private vehicles, leaving two tracks in the middle of the road for more public transportation and their whereabouts.
By train, to die
regional president of the Association for the Conservation of Heritage Railway, Mauricio del Valle Adam, expressed concern by "Biotren" and the transfer of two vehicles to service their cars Santiago-Rancagua.
recalled that to get the government to rehabilitate the railroad on the intercom Conception and boosting the weak local rail services, it took an intense campaign of citizenship, that by collecting signatures and commitment of parliamentarians persuaded the Government Lagos will be made an enormous investment of $ 39 billion.
For him, if the service fails to self-financing Biotren be solely and exclusively to the original plan has not been completed, ie there are no buses that allow bidding que ambos servicios se complementen, en vez de estar en competencia por los mismos recorridos. Por ejemplo, hay buses que salen de Hualqui y que llegan hasta Talcahuano, que corren casi paralelos al tren.
Teme que se deje “languidecer” al tren por una negativa de los empresarios de la locomoción colectiva a aceptar que estos servicios deben ser complementarios.
Diario EL SUR. Miércoles 18 de octubre de 2006.
Indignación de alcaldes
Intendenta Tohá confirma: no hay Biovías II Autoridad señaló que se trabaja para finiquitar los compromisos de Biovías I, para lo cual se realizará una nueva licitación de buses.
Commitment
Bachelet said, referring to a feasibility study to extend Biotren to Coronel.
By Nello Rolleri Veloso. There will be no
Biovías II. This was confirmed yesterday intendenta Tohá Maria Soledad, who explained that the campaign promise made by President Michelle Bachelet referred only to feasibility studies to extend the Biotren to Colonel, was actually implemented next year. Tohá
explained that the government's efforts through the Ministry of Transport are Biovías I wrap up, for which discussions are ongoing with entrepreneurs Transportation to call for new bids in Concepcion.
Additionally, in 2007 will be held engineering designs for the transport corridor shaft May 21-Columbus Hualpén communes and Talcahuano, with tracks "buses only" - in addition to these same works in structuring axes Chillán and Los Angeles.
He warned, however, that these projects will not be responsible to EFE or be in public office called Biovías II, but will run with the sectoral budgets of the Ministries of Public Works and Housing and Urban Development. Thus the
intendenta played down the complaint made by Rep. Andrew Egaña Respaldiza UDI, that budget would not Biovías II, because it explains that there are resources, but the works will be executed under another name. Confirmation that
not continue the comprehensive transport plan for Greater Concepción caused indignation among the mayors of the intercom.
To Biovías II was the expectation of continuing the rail corridor from Colorado to Col. Lomas and Lota, in addition to enabling a new north to Penco and Tomé Lirquén. You looked at ways to continue the axis "buses only" in the communes of Talcahuano, Hualpén, Coronel and Tomé.
"Biotren is a failure" Hualpén Mayor Marcelo Arancibia Rivera (PS), used harsh terms to refer to the urban rail penquista and described as "failure" to Biotren. In his view "this is because it is a project that was designed in Santiago, in an inappropriate manner, without taking into account the views of the local community and its idiosyncrasies. He said he
cause "outrage" to know that EFE has taken two local trains Metrotrén service. In his view Santiago "need not be removing two trains" Concepcion, because there have of all political power to have the means necessary.
stated that it was just "wild thing" that came to the conclusion that if the vehicles here were not utilized, the better they were taken to the capital.
Mayor Rivera recalled that his request to make a station for the Biotren in Central Park was not heard, what they believe could have served a large number of workers in Asmar.
also criticized that the only means of payment is a magnetic card, which in his view is not accepted by everyone.
Hualpén The village head said he hoped that the design of shaft-21 Colon May himself heard the opinion of the municipalities and the local community, to be transformed into a transportation corridor, with tracks "Only buses" which will serve the entire local community.
Lota and took
in Lota and still took no credit is given to the possibility that they were evicted from the possibility that the Biotren comes to these locations, both at 40 and 32 kilometers from Concepción, respectively.
In Tome, however, Councilman Humberto Quezada said that the municipality has asked the government to lift the rail line between Bellavista and center, to build on a flood line Costanera, part of the Bicentennial Project. His hope is that the Biotren stops at the Bellavista area.
This community is hoping that next week they are visited by President Bachelet, who will announce the "Plan Tome."
Regionalism: is "unacceptable" For President of the Corporation for the regionalization of the Bio Bio, Claudio Lapostol, is "unacceptable" that the government spends $ 155 million in a comprehensive transport plan for Greater Design and after noting that it does not work leave it unfinished.
stated that the most unfortunate is what happened with Biotren, which have not met the expectations of the company to transport 550 000 passengers per month, resulting in "huge hole" deficit. To Lapostol serious that the government fulfills its commitments to the population using public transport in Greater Concepción would see a marked improvement in service.
In his view, it "has not been met at all", because very few people used the Biotren, which has a high standard, but the vast majority is required to use the taxibuses, although some are tendered and painted blue , continue to offer poor service.
"Why these things happen?" Claudio asked Lapostol and said that the authority must give a full response to the evaluation of the integrated transport system and explain how the deficiencies are corrected.
The leader of the regionalist said that you can draw a parallel between failures in the capital TranSantiago what happened to Biovías. Mayors
annoying penquista Mayor Jacqueline van Rysselberghe joked yesterday with the Executive's attitude: "Now I know all the things that will make this government shall not take the toll Chaimávida not recover the Old Bridge not make a theater and not have Pencopolitano a Biovías II.
So the question one asks is what will make this government in Concepcion?. " He accused the Intendant
Maria Soledad Tohá to act as an "ambassador" of the central government in the region, rather than representing the legitimate interests of the community.
regretted that the draft has been executed Biotren without listening to local views. Penco
Mayor, Guillermo Caceres said he was surprised this weekend when he read in the South that had no budget Biovías II. Indicated that their community has a real desire that reaches beyond the Biotren someday, especially to transport workers and students to Concepcion, said the buses as "not cope" with demand. He also noted that urban roads Penco urgently needed to be improved and modernized.
SOUTH
* Daily, Thursday, October 19, 2006. René Carvajal
Coronel Mayor plan calls for explanation Biovías II "This seems a joke, because if there Biovías II, what do the studies?" Village head claimed.
By Nello Rolleri V.
of disbelief to outrage. So was the transition of Mayors Grand Design for the past days, at first knowing that the 2007 Budget Law no plan for the promised item Biovías II and then the confirmation of the Intendant Maria Soledad Tohá that there will be a plan with that name.
who felt most affected was the mayor of Coronel, René Carvajal Zuniga, who since Biovías Plan was announced in January 2004, was persuaded by the authorities of the time that there would be a "Biovías II" that would extend the Biotren to Colonel in 2007 and to build the public transport corridor Manuel Montt-Juan Antonio Rios, with tracks "Only buses. "
Carvajal said yesterday that "we feel cheated and rubbish" and said he would ask that President Bachelet will clarify why there is no Biovías II plan as promised.
"When this project Biovías announced in January 2004, Concepcion said it was for Metropolitan, which not only includes Conception, Chigwell, Talcahuano and San Pedro de la Paz, but also Tome, Penco, Coronel and Lota , Carvajal said the mayor. "
"So this program was announced in two stages. Then when it opens in November 2005, President Lagos reiterated again that the second stage includes a Colonel. There was the mayor of Lota who consulted the former president loudly what happened to his community, and we will respond to the 2007 study to Lota. That is, for Coronel and Lota implementing the study. " Carvajal
recalled that "the candidate Michelle Bachelet took these commitments in his campaign and said he would give them continuity and specifically mentioned Colonel."
acknowledges that "when the president says that what is done is a study of feasibility and profitability, taking a step back from what had been committed, which was disturbing ... but we understand that this is a serious government and we have confidence. But today what we says is that Biovías is canceled.
understand that this will take us to the hair and thrown overboard all commitments, "he cried.
The mayor also complained about the "unfairness" that will be subsidizing the railroad to the three communities more "rich" in the region: Concepcion, San Pedro de la Paz and Chigwell, while the poorest communities, as Colonel , will be marginalized.
warned that their community "will not drop hands" and that if necessary initiate demonstrations, were fighting for their right to have investments in transportation, including Biotren.
Team was
dismantled
Biovías has no office or website Until March this year worked on Avenida Pedro Aguirre Cerda of Concepción Biovías offices, which had a staff of 41 professionals hired by the State Railway Company (EFE) for executing the work plan of $ 155 million.
However, all were finalized in that time and today they are in other activities.
His head, project manager, Héctor Díaz Cortés, for example, is working with the Ministry of Public Works, in charge of the future Route Interlagos: Tres Pinos, Contulmo-Victoria and Tirúa.
also EFE eliminated website
www.biovias.cl and wiped all the links pointing to it. This means no information is available of the original features of the project to the community.
The state-owned company undergoing a restructuring which meant the disappearance of three managers and is not defined whether it will remain a regional manager in Concepcion, although recently was named to the post last March Inostroza Jorge Sánchez.
This "disappearance" of Biovías has meant that the demands of the community are outstanding works that have not received. For example, in Hualqui it demands a footbridge over the railroad that was compromised by the project. In Hualpén calling for a new station at Central Park and the same applies in the case of Lonco, in Concepción. Economic reasons
The poor performance of railways have collided in Concepcion with the political commitments made by the government of the Concertación.
On one side is the Biotren, which consisted in the rehabilitation and electrification of 48 kilometers of track in two branches: Hualqui-Chigwell-Talcahuano and Concepción, San Pedro de la Paz-Lomas Coloradas, as well as buying in Spain four UT-440 reconditioned vehicles, plus three others who were "repowering" in Chile, which meant a total investment of $ 39 billion.
However, the comprehensive plan has not been completed because of the three "intermodal stations (EIM) is only working one, of Conception, with only eight buses" feeders "of a total of 55 machines" Biobus " that were promised, while the EIM outstanding work of Chigwell and Arenal in Talcahuano.
This means that instead of carrying 550 000 passengers per month, averages are just over 150 thousand passengers per month. Costs Biotren are operating a billion dollars annually, but it is estimated that most of them must be subsidized by the state.
These losses, however, are small compared to the deficit for EFE is signifying poor performance of the Merval, between Valparaiso and Limache. Here the investment is made for a total of 16 million passengers this year, however, during the first half have carried only 3.2 million. This is understandable
EFE silence and the reluctance of government to clarify how it will fulfill its commitments to the communities "peripheral" Grand Design, who received no Biovías investment: Coronel, Lota, Penco and Tomé. Just to extend
Biotren between Lomas and Lota Coloradas has estimated an investment of 28 million dollars, which is what it would electrify this stretch of 23 kilometers. Northbound
no official estimates, because the railway is operational only up Lirquén and even the mayor of Tome, Eduardo Aguilera, aims to make it disappear completely in its urban design, to build on it a waterfront.
Hualpén shaft and Talcahuano
Corridor May 21-Columbus cost $ 70 million Initiative is in pre-feasibility stage and is expected to make next year Sectra the final engineering design.
Some 70 million dollars, almost half of what it took to complete the project Biovías axis value would be May 21-Columbus, who is also part of what he regards as Biovías II.
This is the main axis of the city of Talcahuano Hualpén and communes and covers an area of \u200b\u200b14 kilometers.
only by way of comparison, the transport corridor Paicaví in Concepción is 3.3 miles. Traffic
director of the City of Hualpén, Jorge Escobar Morales, said the initiative is currently in final stages of feasibility, which would allow over the next year to develop the detailed engineering design. However
so far has been no expropriation, a key factor to realize a work that will require a width of more than 30 meters, to include six lanes of traffic (two buses only), plus the widening required for stops that be placed at the center of the roadway, as in Paicaví.
The engineer explained that the hub transport May 21-Columbus is one of the major works identified in the Transport Master Plan for the Greater Concepción 2002-2012 developed by Sectra and not only improve travel times for cars and public transportation, but will increase road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as reverse the urban decay that shows the city today along this axis.
this axis in its path only includes a step overbalanced in the area of \u200b\u200bPuente Perales and engineering design should define the solution to the narrowest part of the road between Mount San Miguel and the railroad, where there is no room six tracks. Journal
* SOUTH. Friday October 20, 2006. Commitment
communes
Biovías II confirmed Intendant Tohá Mayor Col. Lomas took Coloradas station for two hours and prevented Biotren output.
Doubts about the existence of Biovías Plan II, which was one of the campaign promises of President Michelle Bachelet, yesterday turned the mood in the area, prompting the mayor of Coronel, René Carvajal Zúñiga, accompanied by a fifty neighborhood leaders to take the station and prevent Lomas Coloradas Biotren departure at 9 am.
The service was halted to 11 hours on the road San Pedro de la Paz-Lomas Coloradas and the mayor justified his decision to require "a serious explanation from the authorities superiores”.
Carvajal recordó que “se nos había dicho que durante el gobierno de Ricardo Lagos que el Biotrén llegaba a Coronel en dos oportunidades: cuando se puso la primera piedra y cuando se inaugura el Biotrén. Luego, cuando candidata y hoy Presidenta Michelle Bachelet, en el marco de su campaña lanza una propuesta para la región, surge el Biovías II hasta Coronel”.
El jefe comunal advierte que este año, cuando Bachelet asume “nos dice que lo que va a hacer es un estudio primero, y ya eso nos puso en alerta y hace algunos días la intendenta ha señalado que se ha suspendido y que se terminó el Biovías”.
Todo esta situación, para Carvajal is "a joke" and called for more serious projects Coronel. The mayor maintained
takes two hours, although before 9 received a phone call from the Intendant Maria Soledad Toha, who tried to make them quit their attitude.
"Early in the morning we talked with the mayor of Coronel insisting that the announcement of the President of the Republic will be a reality, ultimately the Colonel Plan will be a reality by 2007 as well as public transport corridors Colonel, "said the mayor.
The highest regional authority said that "we need to consolidate Biovías I and 2007 budget Biovías II continue beyond the intercom and to other regional capitals. " During the afternoon
Tohá Intendant and his cabinet issued a public statement longer. Public Statement
Government contends that questions "have no hold" "Faced with the repeated press reports that call into question the continuation of the Integrated Transport System of the Grand Design, the Regional Government feels obliged to clarify the community that this is a commitment of President Michelle Bachelet and regional authorities are working to honor his word.
Indeed, almost at the end of his term, at the opening of Biovías, President Lagos-in event held on November 24, 2005 - agreed to stop aiming the extension of its benefits to nearby cities, a commitment that President Bachelet also assumed in his campaign and today reaffirms the Regional Government.
Indeed, the program Biovías had an end date, November 2005, 22 months after being released. In that period were completed as planned, the following steps: * exclusive public transport corridors.
* The Center for Disease Control and Traffic Management.
* The modernization of Biotren with cars purchased in Spain.
* Building a network of bikeways.
* First stage tender urban bus routes.
The doubts raised about the arrival of Biotren to Colonel and other nearby cities, on the withdrawal of their machines on non-operation of all buses approach, among others, have no grip. Here is the commitment of regional authorities, headed by the mayor Maria Soledad Toha, who today has indicated that make feasible studies for these works are in progress.
In fact, today the State Railway Company, EFE, has indicated that the feasibility studies conducted for continuing to Colonel stage prior to any construction work.
On the other hand, the bus system approach is framed in a tender that will take effect in December this year, as we said yesterday SEREMI Transport, Claudio Vásquez.
We call on the community and our mayors interested in the subject to expect the completion of these processes.
has not been easy after the opening stage of Biovías. There are things to improve but there is no denying the significant progress that this work has meant to the Grand Design and supporters continue to be added in the coming years. " Towards
Lota and Tomé Community
service EFE values \u200b\u200band supports two branches extend "worth waiting a bit, because it is much easier and faster." User of Biotren.
Biotren users will not many, the machines only carry passengers standing in some sections during peak hours of the morning and the day runs at half capacity, but have are loyal customers, are grateful for service quality, and yearn for the possibility of Coronel and Lota to the south, and the older ones remember with nostalgia the summer trips to Penco, Tomé and Dichato.
Pedro Silva Vega, one of the users found in the afternoon yesterday, charged that the train "no comparison" with the taxibuses, especially those that go to the area of \u200b\u200bSan Pedro de la Costa, where he lives. He explains that his house is just three blocks from the station, which is very convenient for getting to and from shopping at Concepción.
Pedreros Josefina Prieto, at the news of the event that made the mayor of Coronel, said he was fine, because many people in this community who must travel daily to Conception and suffering for the poor service of buses, especially students.
However, they also felt that the Biotren should be extended to Tome, it was a service that is packed in the summer in what was one of the best tourist sights for penquista three decades ago. The opportunity
did a tour in one of the blue train service criticized Metrotrén Santiago-Rancagua, which brought two units to replace the same number of cars that were wrecked by water last winter, to be inundated Omer station of Hualqui Huett.
Despite our prejudices, UT-440 Automotive Service Santiago was almost the same characteristics of Biovías orange trains, including the same quality of seats and interior trim. Their sills were a little shorter and not allowed to travel expeditiously between a car and another because it is not "type b", however, comfort and ride quality is almost equal. Navarro and Sabag
Senators disagree on transportation plan deadlines for The two senators from the area, Sabag Hossain (DC) and Alejandro Navarro (PS) disagreed yesterday on the dispute arising from Biovías II, in particular on deadlines for their realization.
Navarro was more critical and said that their vote will not be available for BUDGET Act 2007 if they do not commit resources to Biovías II, not only for studies as announced by the Intendant Tohá, but to realize works and acquisitions, especially for the purchase of the trains that require the service of Coronel and Lota.
Socialist Senator lamented the "bad image" left EFE public opinion when buying second-hand trains in Spain and demanded the government to commit resources to buy new trains will require the service to Lota and Coronel.
warned that this process of acquisition of rolling stock is not fast, requires an international tender.
recalled that Metro Line 5 investment amounted to 5 billion dollars, so the Grand Design does not deserve a second class service, with trains used. He also argued that Biotren losses accrue only to the extent that will attract more passengers, it is essential to capture them in Coronel and Lota.
Sabag, however, asked the community to have confidence that all the First Mandatory commitments will be met, but also called for "patience" because he said that these projects take time to materialize.
explained that next Monday will be 30 in the Senate budget committee for EFE and shall ensure that resources are not only to study the feasibility of Coronel-Lota branch, but also Penco, Tomé, which is also part of the commitment of the Head of State.
The senator regretted the claims by the two trains were taken to Santiago, EFE said the return of the date of the next week. He said the community must understand that they were under repair after it was flooded out product of Bio-Bio River in Hualqui last July. Rep. Pacheco
Clemira Congresswoman Pacheco (PS) said yesterday that on Wednesday 25 will meet in Santiago with her husband, the mayor of Coronel, René Carvajal, with Interior Minister Belisario Velasco.
Parliamentarian said the feasibility study Biotren Coronel is built into the budget for 2007 EFE, but was present to ask you also run the engineering study.
The MP lamented the "confusion" that has been created around the future of Biovías II and especially the extension of Biotren to Colonel and I took, and said to share the concerns of the mayors in this regard. Deputy
Bobadilla Rep. Sergio Bobadilla (UDI) criticized yesterday that the government fulfills its commitment to implement a plan Biovías II and recalled that the commitment of Lagos was to modernize the transport of the nine communes of the Grand Design, however, remains "zero investment" for the poorest communes, which are Coronel, Lota, Penco and Tomé.
also criticized the Intendant Tohá, which in his opinion is only concerned to defend the management of government and not the actual demands of the region. He recalled that the opening of Biovías took advantage for electoral purposes in November last year, but then again no government to speak more than Biovías II. Deputy
Egaña Egaña Rep. Andrew (UDI) said yesterday that it was "regrettable" the attitude of the mayor of Coronel, who in November last year applauded the promise of the candidate Bachelet and now have to make "snapshots" of the railway to ensure that his government would comply. Said it appears that the mayor is opposed Carvajal in the mornings and afternoons Consultation. Egaña
said he has been the only MP who has called EFE offices to demand explanations for the results of Biovías and has sounded a warning to show that Biovías II has no recourse to work in 2007, which was not Tohá denied by the Intendant.
* Journal SOUTH. Saturday October 21, 2006. Follow
uncertainty
A year without using machines they turn 13 "Biobus" integrated transport system of today operates Biovías only 7 buses, which run half empty by the middle of Concepción.
By Nello Rolleri Veloso. We
"acacha." This is expressed in good Chilean Metalpar an employee to explain what they do with the 13 machines "Biobus" as part of a batch of 20 that the government asked them to import the last year for the integrated transport system of the Grand Design, Biovías .
In Conception in the sales room located Metalpar Calle San Martín, there are five Biobus ", painted orange, patent, with the appropriate logo and ready to go into circulation.
We explain that there are eight equal stored in Santiago, but up to now know what will happen to them.
When former President Lagos Biovías program launched in January 2004, 53-spoke integration buses. Last year that figure dropped to 20 which were those imported from Argentina.
Metalpar even provided for the opening ceremony, held last November. However, vehicles, valued at $ 50,000 each, are still waiting for a buyer.
In the bodywork company tell us that it is body and motor buses Mercedes Benz, ending in Argentina. This is the model "Thunderer", which is 9.8 meters long, with capacity for 60 passengers (27 seated and 33 standing), automatic transmission and facilities for the disabled. They are the only ones that can climb Concepción wheelchair.
now circulating in only seven Conception on two routes: from the Intermodal Station (EIM) from Conception to the Mall-U. The Americas and Callao. The routes that are pending are the B-10-EIM El Arenal Antennas, the B-11 EIM El Arenal-La Tortuga-Lobos Viejos in Talcahuano, and the B-20-EIM Chiguayante Leonera.
Luis Cardoso, adviser to the Owners Association taxibuses Provincial de Concepción, acknowledges that the company Biobus SA has not had the expected results, the passengers can not cover operating costs, so they have no plans, for now to acquire new machines and make the routes are missing. Deputy Andrew Egaña
"The Intendant Tohá
not being clear with the issue of Biovías"
The draft 2007 budget law is entered only $ 2 million to continue the project Biovías, which invested $ 155 million between 2004 and 2005. This was reported
ayer el diputado UDI Andrés Egaña Respaldiza, quien expresó que revisó detalladamente los proyectos de presupuesto de los ministerios de Obras Públicas y de Vivienda y Urbanismo. Sólo en este último encontró que se destinan $1.173 millones para Biovías, que se traspasan al Ministerio de Transportes.
Con esta escueta cifra, señaló el parlamentario, no se cumple con el compromiso de la Presidenta Michelle Bachelet de continuar con el Sistema Integrado de Transportes para el Gran Concepción, lo que se ha llamado “Biovías II”.
El diputado Egaña criticó que “la intendenta Tohá no está siendo clara y transparente con la gente, pues mientras asegura that resources are available, in practice, the budget that the government itself has made no special silver Biovías slogan. "
called on the regional authority to say "clearly where resources will come from, and what will happen to the project" because either EFE or ministries are no resources to continue this project. He stated that with two million dollars allocated is not enough even for feasibility studies.
The MP stressed that arose Biovías 2004 as an integrated plan for the nine communes of the Grand Design, not just five.
In practice, he said, this has meant that has been left without any investment in urban transport to the towns of Coronel, Lota, Penco and Tomé. Deputy Andrew
Egaña
"The Intendant Tohá
not being clear with the issue of Biovías"
The draft 2007 budget law is entered only $ 2 million to continue the project Biovías, which invested 155 million dollars between 2004 and 2005.
This was denounced yesterday the deputy UDI Egaña Respaldiza Andrés, who said he reviewed in detail the proposed budgets of the ministries of Public Works and Housing and Urban Development. Only the latter found to be $ 1,173 million allocated Biovías, are transferred to the Ministry of Transport. This brief
figure, said the senator is not satisfied with the commitment of President Michelle Bachelet to continue with the Integrated Transport System for Greater Concepción, which is called "Biovías II." Deputy Egaña
criticized that "the Intendant Tohá not being clear and transparent with people, because while ensuring that resources are available, in practice, the budget that the government itself has made no special silver Biovías slogan."
called on the regional authority to say "clearly where resources will come from, and what will happen to the project" because either EFE or ministries are no resources to continue this project. He stated that with two million dollars allocated is not enough even for feasibility studies.
The MP stressed that arose Biovías 2004 as an integrated plan for the nine communes of the Grand Design, not just five.
In practice, he said, this has meant that has been left without any investment in urban transport to the towns of Coronel, Lota, Penco and Tomé. Deputy Andrew
Egaña
"The Tohá intendenta
not being clear with the issue of Biovías "
The draft 2007 Budget Law are entered just 2 million dollars to continue the project Biovías, which invested $ 155 million between 2004 and 2005.
This was denounced yesterday the deputy UDI Egaña Respaldiza Andrés, who said he reviewed in detail the proposed budgets of the ministries of Public Works and Housing and Urban Development. Only in the latter found to be $ 1,173 million allocated Biovías, are transferred to the Ministry of Transport. This brief
figure, said the senator is not satisfied with the commitment of President Michelle Bachelet to continue with the Integrated Transport System for Greater Concepción, which is called "Biovías II." Deputy Egaña
criticized that "the Intendant Tohá not being clear and transparent with people, because while ensuring that resources are available, in practice, the budget that the government itself has made no special silver Biovías slogan."
called on the regional authority to say "clearly where resources will come from, and what will happen to the project" because either EFE or ministries are no resources to continue this project. Said than two million appropriated is not enough even for feasibility studies.
The MP stressed that arose Biovías 2004 as an integrated plan for the nine communes of the Grand Design, not just five.
In practice, he said, this has meant that has been left without any investment in urban transport to the towns of Coronel, Lota, Penco and Tomé. Deputy Andrew
Egaña
"The Intendant Tohá
not being clear with the issue of Biovías"
The draft 2007 budget law is entered only $ 2 million to continue the project Biovías, which invested $ 155 million between 2004 and 2005.
This was denounced yesterday the deputy UDI Egaña Respaldiza Andrés, who said he reviewed in detail the proposed budgets of the ministries of Public Works and Housing and Urban Development. Only in the latter found to be $ 1,173 million allocated Biovías, are transferred to the Ministry of Transport. This brief
figure, said the senator is not satisfied with the commitment of President Michelle Bachelet to continue with the Integrated Transport System for Greater Concepción, which is called "Biovías II." Deputy Egaña
criticized that "the Intendant Tohá not being clear and transparent with people, because while ensuring that resources are available, in practice, the budget that the government itself has made no special silver Biovías slogan."
called on the regional authority to say "clearly where resources will come from, and what will happen to the project" because either EFE or ministries are no resources to continue this project. He stated that with two million dollars allocated is not enough even for feasibility studies. The MP stressed that
Biovías arose in 2004 as an integrated plan for the nine communes of the Grand Design, not just five.
In practice, he said, this has meant that has been left without any investment in urban transport to the towns of Coronel, Lota, Penco and Tomé. Deputy Andrew
Egaña
"The Intendant Tohá
not being clear with the issue of Biovías"
The draft 2007 budget law is entered only $ 2 million to continue the project Biovías, which invested 155 million dollars between 2004 and 2005.
This was denounced yesterday the deputy UDI Egaña Respaldiza Andrés, who said he reviewed detail the proposed budgets of the ministries of Public Works and Housing and Urban Development. Only in the latter found to be $ 1,173 million allocated Biovías, are transferred to the Ministry of Transport. This brief
figure, said the senator is not satisfied with the commitment of President Michelle Bachelet to continue with the Integrated Transport System for Greater Concepción, which is called "Biovías II." Deputy Egaña
criticized that "the Intendant Tohá not being clear and transparent with people, because while ensuring that resources are available, in practice, the budget itself government has developed no special silver Biovías slogan. "
called on the regional authority to say "clearly where resources will come from, and what will happen to the project" because either EFE or ministries are no resources to continue this project. He stated that with two million dollars allocated is not enough even for feasibility studies.
The MP stressed that arose Biovías 2004 as an integrated plan for the nine communes of the Grand Design, not just five.
In practice, he said, this has meant that has been left without any investment in urban transport to municipalities of Coronel, Lota, Penco and Tomé. Deputy Andrew Egaña
"The Intendant Tohá not being clear with the issue of Biovías" The draft 2007 budget law is entered only $ 2 million to continue the project Biovías, which invested 155 million dollars between 2004 and 2005.
This was denounced yesterday the deputy UDI Egaña Respaldiza Andrés, who said he reviewed in detail the proposed budgets of the ministries of Public Works and Housing and Urban Development. Only in the latter found to be $ 1,173 million allocated Biovías, are transferred to the Ministry of Transport. This brief
figure, said the senator is not satisfied with the commitment of President Michelle Bachelet to continue with the Integrated Transport System for Greater Concepción, which is called "Biovías II." Deputy Egaña
criticized that "the Intendant Tohá not being clear and transparent with people, because while ensuring that resources are available, in practice, the budget that the government itself has made no special silver Biovías slogan."
called on the regional authority to say "where clearly going to come from the resources and what will happen to the project "because either EFE or ministries are no resources to continue this project. He stated that with two million dollars allocated is not enough even for feasibility studies.
The MP stressed that arose Biovías 2004 as an integrated plan for the nine communes of the Grand Design, not just five.
In practice, he said, this has meant that has been left without any investment in urban transport to the towns of Coronel, Lota, Penco and Tomé.
Seremi defends Tohá
Soledad "national sport seems assaulting women" The Government SEREMI Oyarzun Jorge Castaneda, left yesterday to defend his boss, Maria Soledad Tohá intendenta by the criticism he has received since the issue Biovías.
"I think it's national sport indiscriminately attacking the Republic authorities, especially when it comes to women, we have seen with the President, we're seeing with the Secretary of Sports, no wonder this with the Regional Governor "Oyarzun said.
The SEREMI stated that "the deputy Egaña still seems to lack a bit of expertise in its role as parliamentary, because what is discussed in the budget of the nation are budgetary frameworks, not the detail. " He said
Biovías "keep walking" and that resources are committed for the next year to finance the detailed engineering of improved shaft May 21-Columbus axis Talcahuano and Coronel Manuel Montt. Regarding
Biotren extension, said EFE have the resources to do the feasibility study for Lomas branch Coloradas-Colonel.
"There are political decisions are taken, which is the overall improvement of public transport in Concepción, that is identified with a concept that is Biovías, and that is a political decision, is a presidential commitment that comes from former President Lagos and President Bachelet has, and we will comply, "he added.
Chillán and Los Angeles The Oyarzún SEREMI explained that Biovías II will also include improved public transport system of Chillán and Los Angeles, because he said that cities "also deserves a quality public transport."
To do this in 2007 will be held on detailed engineering studies of the structural axes of both cities, to define transport corridors tracks "Only buses, like those in Paicaví, in Concepción.
also designed a network of bike lanes in both communities, to facilitate bicycle traffic. Journal
* SOUTH. Thursday October 26, 2006.
Concepción, Chile, Friday, October 27, 2006
Architects
Biovías
match, an unfinished project Three academics were consulted regarding SOUTHERN Integrated Transport System for Greater Concepción.
bus-rail modal integration, more facilities for users, outreach to Lota and Tomé, and burial, are priorities.
not work because you are not finished. They could be summarized the views of three architects, academics from three universities Concepción, who were consulted by the Integrated Transport System for Greater Concepción, which during the years 2004-2005 was known as "Project Biovías." Architects Baeriswyl
Sergio Rada, U. Bio-Bio, Yanko, U. Bugueño Troncoso Development, and Marcelo Vega Sandoval, U. of the Americas, were consulted by Biovías and operation.
Baeriswyl said that although the original concept of Biovías "is fully consistent, as all the projects this first stage can not be assessed holistically, because they lack key elements such as the integration of rail with buses. " For the academic concept of "integrated" is not working because of missing stages to develop. He said it is essential that the train is extended to Coronel and Lota Penco to-Lirquén to be made profitable. Bugueño
notes that the philosophy that inspires Biovías the fully shared in order to have an integrated transport system. Concepcion added that "any work" in this area is welcome, because the city is "years behind" in this matter. Assessed as very positive that was done the last two years, "however, gives me the impression that as long as usual, we stopped in some solutions that can be more efficient and budget issues."
For Vega, Concepcion is an ideal extension for the project of integration with the train is developed.
"What you see is that it is too soon to see results. One would like as a citizen and as an architect that the city could be a bit more seriously this project and specify the missing links. " The architect notes that there are parts of the city with almost no public transport and mentioned the new neighborhoods around the airport Carriel Alessandri South axis.
Railway
Bugueño was a mistake for operating the Biotren in haste, without "all elements" of the integrated system have been resolved.
mentions the problem of accidents at the numerous grade crossings that have commuter rail.
also argues that it is becoming more evident the usefulness of burying the railroad on the waterfront. Baeriswyl
also for the underground is a critical issue, because "it is the key to unlocking the door that connects the city with the river." Let the goodwill of the central hull is transferred to the Costanera. That has not happened and will not occur while is the railway line between, "he warns.
Tome doubt regards the extension of Biotren, Baeriswyl said it seems obvious that the performance of the system will improve to the extent that connect the outermost points of the conurbation: Coronel-Lota Penco the south- Lirquén the north. Regarding
Tomé, expresses doubts about the viability of this extension, whereas in this section the railway is almost nonexistent and that the investment to restore this branch would be very substantial, considering the potential number of passengers. He adds that perhaps this community would be feasible to consider using buses to integrate the subway.
SOUTH
* Daily, Friday, October 27, 2006. Calls
already made
Tome Mayor does not want to train only studies Already in 2000 the State Railway Company undertook to examine the feasibility of a passenger service between and Tomé.
Mayor Tomé, Eduardo Aguilera Aguilera (PDC), expressed concern about the lack of information for your municipality for projects to be implemented in the context of what has been called "Biovías II." He said
it seems very positive to have committed Colonel studies to extend the Biotren and to the axis Manuel Montt, however claimed that their community has similar projects and has not received any assurance that investments will be made next year. Aguilera
Tome said not to comply only with a feasibility analysis. He recalled that in 2000, at the request of Senator Mariano Ruiz-Esquide (PDC), also met with then President of EFE, who at that time assured him that such studies be conducted, without ever being made known.
anticipated that on Monday, 30 will meet in Santiago with the current President of EFE, Guillermo Diaz, along with other mayors in the area prior to the fifth session of the Senate budget committee. Here, we recall the commitment of former President Lagos to extend Biotren Tome, which was ratified during his campaign for President Bachelet.
Tome said the mayor, is facing a critical period of unemployment, many workers can not even leave town to find employment Conception.
The train also mean a boost to tourism in the district.
consulted by the incompatibility of "Bicentennial Plan" of Tomé, who considers lifting the railroad to build a waterfront, the mayor said the community is to define first the train arrives. Then see if it is to Bellavista, the old station or to continue to Dichato.
EFE In December 2005 he sold several branches "expendable", featuring rails and sleepers, but not the land. The tender of Lot 2, which included the New Village branch-Tomé, was declared void "for lack of a sufficiently attractive offer for Reuters." Journal
SOUTH. Saturday October 28, 2006.
