ARGENTINA: The Buenos Aires city legislature has passed a bill confirming the metro expansion programme that will be undertaken by the administration of Mauricio Macri, who was elected to lead the municipal government at the end of last year.
As well as the northern extension of Line H to Retiro, the programme includes lines F from Barracas to Plaza Italia, G from Retiro to Cid Campeador and I from Parque Chacabuco to Plaza Italia.
The new legislation also enables the city government to provide 100% of the cost of new works. Previously, its contribution had been limited to 60% with the remainder to be provided by the operating concessionaire.
Macri's metro programme has been costed at US$2·5bn. A US$1·5bn loan from the Inter-American Development Bank and a US$500m contribution from the federal government have been mentioned as potential sources of funding.
- Operating concessionaire Metrovías is finalising the purchase of 18 additional Series 5000 trainsets from Madrid Metro, following successful trials on Line B in Buenos Aires (RG 4.08 p210).
