Metrotranvía Mendoza

U2 railcar of the MTM during a test drive

The Metrotranvía Mendoza ( MTM ) is a light rail system in the Argentine city of Mendoza and its surroundings. It is currently the only functioning tram-train system in Argentina and, after the SEFECHA line in Resistencia, the second full-fledged light rail system in the country outside of Buenos Aires .

The first line went into regular operation on October 8, 2012, it is operated with used U2 railcars . It runs from Panquehua (Avellaneda stop) in the Las Heras department via the central station ( Estación Central ) in the center of the city to General Gutiérrez in the Maipú department .

Prehistory and construction

Like many other Argentine cities, Mendoza had an electrified tram network between 1912 and 1964 , which at times had a route length of 34 km and reached into the suburbs of the city. However, it was abandoned when competition from road transport made this form of local public transport seem unprofitable. In the 1990s, the first letters of intent for a revival of the tram were issued. However, it wasn't until the mid-2000s that serious projects were created.

Construction began in March 2009. A section of the existing Buenos Aires – Mendoza railway line ( broad gauge ) was used, which was switched to standard gauge and electrified. The stops were also rebuilt. The U2 railcars come from the light rail system in the US city of San Diego . Trial operations began on February 28, 2012, initially without passengers - the reason given was security concerns that had flared up again after a train accident in Buenos Aires on February 22, in which more than 50 people died. In this way, drivers and pedestrians should first get used to the new means of transport. In the course of March, passengers were gradually allowed to ride, and since the end of April there has been a regular test run with passengers.

On October 8, 2012, the Metrotranvía began its regular regular service. In April 2014, the construction of the line between Mendoza and Panquehua ( Departamento Las Heras ) began. The extension opened in May 2019.

Lines

The Metrotranvía connects the city of Mendoza with the suburbs of Godoy Cruz , Maipú and Las Heras , from which many commuters travel to the city every day.

Línea Verde

MTM Línea Verde

Legend

		Avellaneda
		Marcos Burgos
		Julio Argentino Roca
		Patricias Mendocinas
		José María Godoy
		Rubilar
		Lugones
		Moldes
		Suipacha
		Estación Mendoza
		Belgrano
		25 de Mayo
		Pellegrini
		San Martín
		Godoy Cruz
		Progreso
		Independencia
		9 de Julio
		Luzuriaga
		Piedrabuena
		Malvinas Argentinas
		Maza
		Gutiérrez

The Línea Verde is the first line of the Metrotranvía. So far, the route from Panquehua via Mendoza Central Station to Gutiérrez has been completed; in the future, it is to be extended to the center of the Maipú suburb and Mendoza Airport . It follows the railway lines towards San Juan and Buenos Aires of the Ferrocarril General San Martín (FCGSM), one of the subnetworks of the Argentine rail network.

Planned lines

The following lines are also planned:

Extension of the line to Panquehua to Mendoza Airport
Mendoza (Pellegrini station) - Benegas ( Godoy Cruz department ) - Luján de Cuyo
Benegas - Paso de los Andes (Chacras de Coria, Departamento Luján de Cuyo )

A partially underground line to Villa Nueva and other places in the department of Guaymallén , to which there is no existing railway line, is also being considered. Its realization is uncertain, however, it is not part of the official project.