Lima's Metropolitano bus modernization stuck in bureaucratic limbo

Plans to modernize Lima's Metropolitano bus rapid transit system continue to face significant delays, with the proposed fleet renewal still awaiting crucial approval from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). The Metropolitan Transit Authority (ATU) has presented prototypes of new buses equipped with modern features such as air conditioning, USB charging ports, WiFi, LED lighting, security cameras, and digital fare collection systems.

These advanced features were showcased at the Expo ATU Motiva 2026 event. However, the project's implementation is currently frozen pending the approval of a structural addendum to the existing contracts. This situation mirrors a similar unveiling of prototypes in 2024, which also failed to lead to timely fleet renewal, leaving commuters reliant on the aging original buses.

The ATU explained that the comprehensive modernization is part of an investment project supported by the World Bank. The international organization provided a non-reimbursable grant of US$500,000 for the technical profile of the investment. Following this, a contract was signed with the consultant Transconsult for a 150-day study. Subsequently, ATU specialists refined the document to secure financing of approximately US$200 million.

Of the total financing, about US$120 million is allocated for infrastructure improvements, and US$80 million is earmarked for the acquisition of 60 new buses to serve the northern expansion of the Metropolitano. The remaining fleet renewal will be handled by the concessionaire companies, according to ATU executive president David Hernández. The MEF has up to 30 days from June 15 to provide its opinion on the proposed addendum, a step considered essential before the project can move forward.

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The modernization of the Metropolitano is still on paper and without a defined date.