A few of us from the office rode the Metro yesterday afternoon.
It's easy to use, clean, modern and has plenty of staff.
At least 4-6 Metro cops at every station and usually someone at the entry point helping people pass the turnstiles to enter. Who knows how long this staffing level will last, but it sure is creating lots of new jobs!
Observations...
Riding over the poverty of Villa Mella in a billion dollar sardine can, is a interesting experience. To say it's a huge contrast, is an under statement.
Also, from this elevated position, the closer you get to the last stop in Villa Mella, the density of "tinaco's" increases.
Watching people use a "suape" to clean the platform makes you realize your still in the DR and that despite the massive investment, somethings just don't change
It was good to see it being used and everyone using it appeared to be happy and the passengers we spoke to, had nothing but good things to say about it.
Especially the time saving aspect and not having to be crammed in a "publico" with 6 other people.
The other pleasing aspect for me, is it's a union buster. As I have said in early posts on the Metro, the Government will use the Metro as a tool to break down the transport unions and that now appears to be the case.
The one big question I have, is how long is it going to last before falling apart, is it going to be like the OMSA buses? I'm a little bit anal when it comes to details and I noticed lots of little flaws, especially in the finishing work. Stainless work, tiling, fittings etc. I'm not sure it can handle that many people on a daily basis. I guess time will tell.
Moving on...
If your in Santo Domingo, it's worth a ride and it's a pleasant experience.
Plus you get to interact with "real" people and see a little more of the city once your on the above ground stretch.
How much does it cost?
You need to buy a plastic credit card sized card that can be refiiled.
The cost of the card is RD$30 and each journey costs RD$20.
If your a newbie, a round trip journey of the entire Metro will cost
you RD$70.
Video to follow sometime soon from Mr. Lu...
It's easy to use, clean, modern and has plenty of staff.
At least 4-6 Metro cops at every station and usually someone at the entry point helping people pass the turnstiles to enter. Who knows how long this staffing level will last, but it sure is creating lots of new jobs!
Observations...
Riding over the poverty of Villa Mella in a billion dollar sardine can, is a interesting experience. To say it's a huge contrast, is an under statement.
Also, from this elevated position, the closer you get to the last stop in Villa Mella, the density of "tinaco's" increases.
Watching people use a "suape" to clean the platform makes you realize your still in the DR and that despite the massive investment, somethings just don't change
It was good to see it being used and everyone using it appeared to be happy and the passengers we spoke to, had nothing but good things to say about it.
Especially the time saving aspect and not having to be crammed in a "publico" with 6 other people.
The other pleasing aspect for me, is it's a union buster. As I have said in early posts on the Metro, the Government will use the Metro as a tool to break down the transport unions and that now appears to be the case.
The one big question I have, is how long is it going to last before falling apart, is it going to be like the OMSA buses? I'm a little bit anal when it comes to details and I noticed lots of little flaws, especially in the finishing work. Stainless work, tiling, fittings etc. I'm not sure it can handle that many people on a daily basis. I guess time will tell.
Moving on...
If your in Santo Domingo, it's worth a ride and it's a pleasant experience.
Plus you get to interact with "real" people and see a little more of the city once your on the above ground stretch.
How much does it cost?
You need to buy a plastic credit card sized card that can be refiiled.
The cost of the card is RD$30 and each journey costs RD$20.
If your a newbie, a round trip journey of the entire Metro will cost
you RD$70.
Video to follow sometime soon from Mr. Lu...