ARGENTINA: Metro authority SBASE is spending a total of 1∙01bn pesos on upgrading Line B of the Buenos Aires network, in preparation for the introduction of a fleet of 86 CAF Series 6000 cars purchased from Metro de Madrid for US$57∙6m. Due to enter service during the first quarter of 2015, the CAF cars will ‘reduce waiting times, increase passenger comfort and improve the journey experience’, according to SBASE, with the Line B fleet increasing from 20 to 25 trainsets.
To accommodate the new air-conditioned fleet, the traction power supply system is being upgraded and the third rail replaced with rigid catenary at a cost of 100m pesos. Line B is to be equipped with ATP and 500m pesos spent on a new forced ventilation system.
Signalling and power supply work is expected to be completed by the end of 2014. Other aspects of the programme, including station refurbishment and extending the rolling stock maintenance depot at Rancagua at a cost of 200m pesos, would take four years to complete.
