Buenos Aires is making efforts to preserve its last tram line, which has been in operation for nearly 40 years, amid threats of closure due to lack of investment.
In Buenos Aires, the last commercial tram line, inaugurated in 1987, is facing the risk of disappearance as it approaches its 40th anniversary. Originally designed to connect remote communities to the metro system, the line holds sentimental value for residents, such as Matías Saer, who has used it since childhood and now shares this experience with his son. However, despite its historical significance and functional design, the tram line is on the brink of collapse due to insufficient investments and plans for its replacement with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The trams navigate through less touristy areas of the city, including the neighborhoods of Flores, Villa Soldati, and Villa Lugano, where they face challenges that threaten their continued operation. While the tram system was intended to expand and potentially use metro tunnels to traverse busier areas in the future, the lack of attention from authorities has hindered its growth and maintenance, leaving it vulnerable to closure.
As discussions around public transportation evolve, the fate of the tram line could symbolize a broader debate on urban mobility in Buenos Aires, highlighting the need for sustainable transport options that are accessible to all communities. The push to save this last tram line reflects residents' attachment to historical modes of transport and a desire to preserve the city's cultural heritage in the face of modernization efforts.
