Work Begins on Santo Domingo’s First Metro Train Cars
Installation of the first metro cars in Santo Domingo is underway following the arrival of the first convoy to the country. Bearing the allusive colors the Dominican flag, the convoy arrived at the Dominican dock from Barcelona provoking a great deal of admiration from the stevedores who gathered around to have a look as 15 technicians used special towing equipment to remove the train cars from the ship.
“Three units arrived at 11:00 p.m. Wednesday night, two motorized train cars and one without a motor,” explained Juan Gabriel Cajiao, president of Multitrade Spain, in charge of transportation and assembly of the trains that will be used in the metro system.
Cajiao said that another convoy of three train cars will arrive in February “and every month the same amount will arrive, on some occasions there may be up to six cars delivered until we receive all 57, equivalent to 19 train lines.” He added that within a year all the cars needed for the subway system will be in the country. The convoy consists of three wagons, two with front and back engines and a third and middle train car. Price per car is calculated at around $2 million dollars.
Authorities maintain that February 27 is the target date for the first trial run of the subway system, a train ride in which President Leonel Fernández will premiere the new metro system.
A major undertaking of this government, the Santo Domingo Metro will have 16 stations in the 14-kilometer stretch between Villa Mella in Santo Domingo North to the Center of Heroes (La Feria), in the capital.
The electrical and mechanical equipment and train wheels were acquired through a 267 million euro loan.
Through an international bid, the government came to an agreement with the firm Alston for the building of the train cars, Siemes for the electro-mechanical system, CIN/TSO for the rail lines and Solapol, the company that deals with the emergency plant. Each train car has the capacity to carry 240 people, 70 seated and the rest standing.
Cheerful Arrival
The first wagon of the Santo Domingo Metro was received with great expectation, applause and best wishes all around. The transfer of the wagon was done under strict security by police who specialize in accompanying slow-moving funeral processions. They were followed by a line of official vehicles whose passengers were unable to conceal their joy.
People walked out of stores, offices and other places to see the passing train wagon being carried on top of a huge truck. Many people were seeing the structure of a subway car for the first time and gathered closer to get a better look.
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