Nearing the one year mark of Transantiago, Minister Cortázar mentions "improvements" in the system

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SANTIAGO.- Only six days from the one-year anniversary of the implementation of Transantiago, Minister of Transportation René Cortázar stated today that in an overall evaluation, the transportation plan has improved after opening the system's fourth transfer station at Vespucio Norte.

"What we see is an improvement, thanks to an increase in the number of buses, and as a result of the change in the contracts, as well as improved waiting times and bus routes", said Cortázar. The minister also added that he will not be taking a vacation this year and that he will continue to work hard until "the system is able to adequately meet the service needs that the people deserve".

Cortázar maintained that, although the people will be the ones to ultimately evaluate the system, there are concrete facts that show improvement.

Concerning the amount of passengers who deliberately bypass paying the bus fare, the minister assured that (although it remains over 20%) the figure has significantly decreased due to the change in operator contracts and through the creation of "pay zones".