The Rio Times
Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes cut the ribbon on the new Metro Line 4 on Tuesday, before the opening of the Rio Olympics, completing the metro’s link from Ipanema to Zona Sul.
The addition, which will carry an estimated 300,000 passengers daily, will carry travelers from the new Sao Conrado station to Centro (Carioca) station in 27 minutes, less than half the time such a trip would take by car during rush hour.
“Finally linking Ipanema to Centro is a step towards a more integrated Rio, and a sure benefit for the people of the city for years to come” said Paes, pointing out that the additional rail is expected to take thousands of cars off of the congested highways of the cities.
The opening of the Metro 4 line is a relief for Olympic officials, who had scrambled to find alternatives to the transit route when Paes informed them in January that the station might not be complete in time for the games.
Earlier in the year, the Rio de Janeiro municipal government requested an additional R$1 billion for the completion of the line.
“Efficient, powerful transportation is essential in making the success of these games a reality” said Carlos Arthur Nuzman, the chair of the Brazilian Olympic Committee.
“I’m incredibly pleased with the municipal government for its dedication to progress.”
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