Plan 100 | reducing the interval between trains to 100 seconds or less on Line 1
Plan 100 was a significant operational improvement initiative launched by Metro de Santiago (Chile) aimed at reducing the interval between trains to 100 seconds or less on Line 1, which is the system’s busiest line.
Key aspects of the plan included:
- Implementation of a modern automatic piloting system (CBTC – Communications-Based Train Control) to enable more precise control of train movements and shorter headways
- Infrastructure improvements to support increased frequency, including:
- Power supply upgrades
- Signaling system modernization
- Platform modifications
- Additional rolling stock
- Operational benefits:
- Increased passenger capacity during peak hours
- Reduced waiting times at stations
- Better service reliability
- More efficient crowd management at busy stations
The plan was particularly important for Line 1, which runs east-west through central Santiago and serves major business, commercial, and residential areas. This line traditionally faced significant overcrowding during peak hours, especially at key stations like Baquedano, Universidad de Chile, and Los Héroes.
The implementation of Plan 100 made Santiago Metro one of the world’s most efficient metro systems in terms of train frequency, comparable to advanced systems in cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo.
The initiative represented a major technological leap for Latin American public transportation systems and demonstrated Santiago Metro‘s commitment to service improvement and modernization.
News
- 28 April 2025 –Â (Source)
- Santiago Metro: Challenges, achievements and opportunities in operation April 28, 2025 Opinion Columns, Sochitran Newsletter
- “Frequency improvements. Progress is being made in implementing the world’s most modern automatic pilot system on Line 1. This will be launched in 2013 and will allow train intervals to be less than 100 seconds.” (Page 2) –Â “On Line 1, for example, a train runs every 100 seconds, which is equivalent to moving more than 50,000 people per hour per direction.”
