Metropolitano Fleet Renewal Advances After 15 Years With New Agreement

After 15 years of service, Lima and Callao's Metropolitano bus system is on the verge of a significant renewal. The Autoridad de Transporte Urbano para Lima y Callao (ATU) has reached a crucial stage in its negotiations with the system's concessionaires, finalizing an agreement on a structural addendum that promises to modernize the service.

The modernization initiative aims to overhaul the mass transit system, with a key focus on fleet renewal and service enhancement. The plan includes the introduction of newer, more advanced buses and improvements designed to elevate the user experience, such as equipping units with air conditioning. Furthermore, the project encompasses the expansion of the northern corridor, extending the service from Naranjal to Chimpu Ocllo.

Negotiations for the addendum began on April 1, 2025, and the formal review concluded on May 20. The ATU and concessionaires are currently in the final phase, evaluating economic variables, with a deadline of June 9. Following this, the ATU will submit the agreed-upon proposal to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) by June 15. This submission marks a critical step toward final approval, which will address contractual aspects and resolve existing disputes.

This comprehensive plan seeks to transition the Metropolitano from its current pre-operational phase to a formal, modernized operational stage. The ATU believes this reorganization is essential to address the system's wear and tear, as much of the current fleet has surpassed its operational lifespan. The ultimate goal is to establish a more robust system with increased transport capacity, updated units, and integrated technological improvements, ushering in a new era for Lima and Callao's public transportation.