Honduras News Stories

Honduras Begins Modernization

Municipal authorities in Tegucigalpa have launched a new, modern project aimed at lowering traffic congestion and saving fuel. The implementation of bus service with a dedicated lane for travel is planned for the capital, and expected to be functional in 24 to 30 months.

The project will create jobs as new roadways are built, changing the city and making it more modern. The capital's Deputy Mayor, Juan Diego Zelaya, said the first route they are studying would be from the National Stadium to the Kennedy neighborhood in Tegucigalpa.

"An example of what we will do here is functioning in Guatemala, where it is called 'Transmetro'. There is an exclusive lane for this service and road traffic has improved as well as the service for passengers," stated the Mayor.

It is not yet decided if it will be run by a private operator, as in Colombia, or as a municipal transport service, such as in Guatemala, which is a joint venture between the carriers and the municipality.

The first phase of this project will require an investment of 30 million dollars; the total value is estimated at 150 million dollars. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), approved the first part of the loan, with a low interest rate, to be paid over a period of 20 to 30 years.

The work is planned to begin this year and culminate in late 2013 or early 2014.