The Buenos Aires metrobus is an option that you cannot miss when it comes to getting around the city. Different bus lines circulate there in exclusive lanes and are perfect for getting to different points in Buenos Aires in just a few minutes.
Although the metrobus initially aroused more criticism than hope, its operation has been very successful in Buenos Aires. The frequency is fantastic and not only waiting times, but also travel times throughout the city have been drastically reduced.
Here we explain which are the metrobus branches in Buenos Aires and why it is an ideal alternative for traveling well, cheaply and quickly.
The Buenos Aires Metrobus: Everything You Need to Know
What is the Buenos Aires Metrobus?
The Buenos Aires Metrobus is a system of exclusive lanes dedicated solely to public bus transportation. It was inaugurated in 2011 and initially had just one corridor along Avenida Juan B. Justo. However, due to its success, it has since expanded to other major avenues throughout Buenos Aires.
Unlike similar systems in other Latin American cities, such as Bogotá’s TransMilenio, the Buenos Aires Metrobus lanes are not restricted to a single bus line. Instead, they serve as exclusive lanes for multiple bus lines. In some cases, these buses only use the Metrobus lanes for part of their route before merging onto regular streets or avenues.
History of the Buenos Aires Metrobus
The growth of the Metrobus in Buenos Aires can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it provided an alternative to expanding the subway lines, which would have required significant investment in a country with an unstable economy. Additionally, the Metrobus made use of existing lanes on major avenues, like Avenida 9 de Julio, without severely impacting the flow of private vehicles. The dedicated lanes allowed buses to travel more quickly, easing congestion in the subway system and reducing traffic jams on the streets during peak hours.
The success of the Buenos Aires Metrobus led to its expansion beyond the city into several municipalities in the Buenos Aires Province, including Vicente López, San Martín, La Matanza, Morón, Quilmes, and Florencio Varela.
Key Facts About the Buenos Aires Metrobus
The Buenos Aires Metrobus plays an increasingly vital role in the daily transportation of passengers across the city. Approximately 842,000 passengers use the Metrobus every day, with an average frequency of buses every 5 minutes.
There are currently 10 active Metrobus corridors in Buenos Aires, covering more than 62.5 kilometers of exclusive lanes. These corridors connect the northern, western, and southern parts of the city, served by a total of 148 bus lines, where the maximum speed is 40 kilometers per hour.
Why is the Buenos Aires Metrobus Important?
The Buenos Aires Metrobus offers a fast, efficient, and reliable alternative for traveling across the city. Its creation has helped to reduce congestion in the subway system, especially along Avenida 9 de Julio, and has eased traffic on some of the city’s busiest avenues by giving buses their own lanes.
For passengers, Metrobus stations provide a safer boarding experience, with platforms that are well-aligned, separated, and clearly marked. Unlike the subway, which stops operating around midnight, the buses on the Metrobus lanes continue to run (albeit with reduced frequency) throughout the night, making it a safer option for late-night travel.
How Many Metrobus Lanes Are There and Where Are They Located?
Buenos Aires has 10 active Metrobus corridors, each inaugurated progressively as their usefulness was verified in their respective areas.
Metrobus del Bajo
This corridor runs along one of the city’s busiest axes, serving 300,000 people daily and reducing travel time by 45%. With a length of 2.9 km, it revitalizes the neighborhoods of Retiro, Puerto Madero, and San Telmo, improving the north-south connection in the city. It features 30 bus lines, 25 stations, and connections to subway stations, railways, and the Puerto Madero bus terminal.
Metrobus del Bajo 2
The ninth corridor in Buenos Aires spans 4.8 kilometers and connects Retiro with Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, and La Boca. It serves 250,000 passengers daily and cuts travel time by 30%. This Metrobus is used by approximately 21 bus lines and has enhanced safety in the city’s southern zone.
Metrobus San Martín
Connecting the northwestern edge of the city with its center, the Metrobus San Martín corridor enhances the travel experience for workers and students by improving connectivity between Avenida San Martín and Avenida Juan B. Justo, as well as with the Urquiza Railway. This corridor serves 70,000 people daily, has 12 stations, 11 bus lines, and crosses six neighborhoods, including Villa Crespo, Villa General Mitre, and Agronomía.
Metrobus Norte
As the first Metrobus corridor to connect Buenos Aires with the province, Metrobus Norte benefits more than 200,000 people daily. It improves the connection between the Vicente López district and Buenos Aires, providing a quick route along one of the most heavily trafficked axes. This corridor spans 5 kilometers, features 39 stations, and serves 20 bus lines.
Metrobus Norte 2
Metrobus Norte 2, one of the city’s busiest corridors, enhances the daily commute for 250,000 people by saving 35% of travel time. It extends 2.8 kilometers, with 21 stations and 16 bus lines, offering connectivity to railway stations, subways, and commercial areas.
Metrobus AU 25 de Mayo
This is the first reversible Metrobus in the country and the first to operate on a highway. The new corridor benefits 120,000 people, reducing travel time by 50%. The central lane and tunnel are reversible, exclusive to public transportation, and operate on weekdays. The corridor runs 7.5 kilometers and serves 8 bus lines, 200 daily commuter services, and 100 long-distance services.
Metrobus Sur
With a length of 23 km and two exclusive corridors, Metrobus Sur benefits 250,000 people daily. It connects the southernmost part of the city with the Constitución transfer hub, revitalizing eight neighborhoods, including Villa Lugano, Nueva Pompeya, and San Cristóbal. The corridor has 2 branches, 37 stations, and 23 bus lines.
Metrobus 9 de Julio
Metrobus 9 de Julio spans 3 km and allows users to save up to 50% of travel time. It positively impacts the urban environment and significantly improves mobility in the city center. This corridor has 17 stations, 12 bus lines, and connects the city’s southern and northern ends, relieving passenger pressure on the subway line C.
Metrobus Juan B. Justo
With a length of 12 km, Metrobus Juan B. Justo serves 150,000 passengers and reduces travel time by 40%. It has 21 stations, a frequency of just 2 minutes, and serves 7 bus lines. This corridor is crucial for connecting with railways, subways, and public bike stations.
Metrobus Alberdi-Directorio
This corridor benefits 65,000 people and covers the neighborhoods of Flores, Floresta, Parque Avellaneda, Vélez Sarsfield, and Villa Luro. It spans 5.8 kilometers and is a key connector for the south-western area, linking with subway line A, the Sarmiento railway, highways, and public bike stations.
How is the Buenos Aires Metrobus Fare Paid?
The Buenos Aires Metrobus operates like the city’s regular bus system, with buses running on exclusive lanes. The fare is paid using a SUBE card when boarding the bus (there is also a project underway to authorize fare payments with bank cards, digital wallets, and other payment methods).
Remember, the bus does not automatically stop at each station. You need to signal the driver by raising your right arm if you want to board. Additionally, be sure to identify where on the platform the bus will stop.
(Featured Image Source: Juan Bello/flickr.com)
