Three new metro cars were tested in Medellin Thursday as part of a fleet that will eventually total 39.
The cars are fully modern in design and will feature improved ergonomics for the average Colombian’s frame, as well as air conditioning. The cars are semi-autonomous and have an impressive array of electronic monitoring features that will assist drivers, although skilled drivers are still required to operate the trains.
The new cars cost about $152 million total and the first set of three will go into service in September. Metro manager Ramiro Marquez said that 12 cars, constituting four new trains should be in service by the end of the year. In the meantime, the new cars will undergo rigorous testing for the remainder of the summer to ensure their safety.