Transport Reform: What is 'the most critical work' and how will the most remote areas improve, according to Bergara

Montevideo Mayor Mario Bergara has outlined significant progress on the metropolitan transport system reform, which will feature three Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors. Bergara stated that the Metropolitan Transport Agency, established within the budget, is now functioning regularly and is refining project details.

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The focus and priority are on the interchange that receives the two main routes and channels towards 8 de Octubre in the Tres Cruces area because it is the most critical work in terms of time.

The reform involves the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the intendancies of Montevideo, Canelones, and San José. Bergara announced that key decisions have been made, including the completion of the conceptual design and executive project, with the aim of starting construction in the first half of next year.

The BRT corridors will run along Avenida Italia and Giannattasio, 8 de Octubre and Camino Maldonado, and 18 de Julio, connecting the Old City with Zonamerica and El Pinar efficiently. Bergara highlighted the Tres Cruces interchange as the "most critical" work, essential for channeling traffic from the main BRT lines. He indicated that variants are being analyzed to optimize the construction timeline for this key mobility hub.

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There are variants that can give the work a better temporal horizon.

Bergara expressed confidence that the reform will reduce travel times by 20 minutes or more for end-to-end journeys. Beyond speed, the project aims to reorganize traffic within the department, alleviate congestion in certain areas, and incentivize the use of public transport over private vehicles. The reform is also intended to strengthen areas currently underserved by efficient transit options, ultimately improving overall urban mobility.

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The expectation is to start works in the first half of next year.