Authorities in Gran Concepción, Chile, are preparing for a significant increase in traffic congestion with the return to school and university beginning March 4th, implementing measures to bolster public transportation and increase police presence.
According to Regional Presidential Delegate Eduardo Pacheco, public bus service will be increased by 11% compared to March of last year, starting Monday, March 2nd. This represents a 26% increase in frequency compared to January and February of this year. The increased service aims to accommodate the more than 330,000 students returning to classrooms and over 70,000 university students, as noted by Education Seremi Carlos Benedetti.
In addition to the expanded bus service, the Biotren commuter rail will add seven services on Line 2 (Concepción – Coronel) and five services on Line 1 (Mercado – Hualqui), beginning March 9th, bringing the total Biotren frequency to 106. These additions are facilitated by the Puente Ferroviario (Railway Bridge).
Carabineros (Chilean police) have already begun deploying personnel to critical traffic points throughout the city, according to Colonel Luis Rozas. The focus will be on mitigating congestion and ensuring the safe passage of students, and commuters.
Ongoing roadwork on Route 160, particularly near the Puente Industrial (Industrial Bridge), is expected to be completed in the coming days, according to the Subrogate Seremi of Transportation, Hugo Cautivo. The completion of these works is intended to improve traffic flow in a key area.
The coordinated effort between regional authorities, including the Presidential Delegation, the Seremis of Transportation, Public Works, Education, and Government, as well as representatives from Carabineros and EFE Sur (the state railway company), began earlier this year in anticipation of the “Super Monday” of March, as described by Pacheco. The goal is to minimize the negative impacts of increased traffic volume following the summer break.
Authorities are urging residents to utilize public transportation whenever possible to alleviate congestion. Fiscalization and monitoring will be increased in areas surrounding schools and other critical points, including the Llacolén, Juan Pablo II, and Bicentenario bridges, as well as Avenida Los Carrera, Paicaví, and Pedro Aguirre Cerda.
Alongside these measures, the first definitive housing unit for families affected by recent wildfires was installed in Punta de Parra, marking a concrete step in the reconstruction process. The Hojitas de Parra kindergarten is also nearing completion, ensuring a return to classes on March 9th in suitable conditions.
