Quito students return to class amid mobility and safety challenges

Quito residents face a challenging return to school on September 1, as students in the Sierra and Amazonia regions resume classes amidst ongoing road construction and peak-hour traffic.

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The planning will have to consider the impact of these displacements on the road network.

Mobility experts warn that insufficient planning could lead to significant congestion. Andrés Castillo, a specialist in mobility and infrastructure, recommends that families leave home 20 to 30 minutes earlier, especially during the first week. He also suggests avoiding double parking near schools, utilizing designated drop-off zones, carpooling, and considering public transport, cycling, or walking.

The expert also highlighted the need to review school transport vehicle insurance and improve connections with public transit systems like the Quito Metro, Trolebús, and Ecovía. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Transit Agency (AMT) and the Metropolitan Public Company of Mobility and Public Works (Epmmop) are coordinating adjustments to ongoing road projects to facilitate student access.

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Insufficient planning can generate congestion during the return.

Specific areas like Avenida 12 de Octubre, Panamericana Norte, Galo Plaza Lasso, and Ruta Viva are undergoing work. Officials are implementing measures such as contraflow traffic during peak hours on Galo Plaza Lasso and completing segments of the Panamericana Norte and Ruta Viva to ease commutes. The goal is to balance essential infrastructure work with the daily needs of students and commuters.

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We are working to adjust the times of interventions and ensure road access.