São Paulo metro train arriving at illuminated station platform

São Paulo metro train arrives at illuminated platform on Line 1-Blue, the oldest subway line in Latin America.

About this subject

Line 1-Blue of the São Paulo Metro, inaugurated on September 14, 1974, was the first subway line in Latin America. Spanning 20.2 km, it connects the neighborhoods of Tucuruvi in the North Zone to Jabaquara in the South Zone, passing through the city's historic center. The line carries about 1.2 million passengers on weekdays, making it one of the busiest in the system.

Stations on Line 1-Blue were designed by architect Marcelo Accioly Fragelli, featuring illuminated platforms with skylights that allow natural light, creating an airy and safe environment. Sé station, a major hub, integrates with Line 3-Red and handles around 300,000 people daily, one of the highest passenger flows in the system.

The São Paulo Metro is internationally recognized for its efficiency and punctuality. In 2019, it was elected the best metro in the Americas by the Latin American Association of Metros and Subways (ALAMYS), standing out for constant modernization and expansion of the rail network. The fleet includes trains from different generations, such as the TUE (Electric Multiple Unit) models from Alstom and CAF, operating with CBTC signaling.

A curiosity: Line 1-Blue was built using French technology, based on the Paris Metro, and its first trains had steel wheels on conventional rails. Over the years, it underwent several renovations, such as modernizing ticketing systems and installing platform screen doors at some stations to enhance passenger safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the oldest line of the São Paulo Metro?

Line 1-Blue is the oldest, inaugurated in 1974, and it was also the first subway line in Latin America.

How many passengers does Line 1-Blue carry per day?

The line carries about 1.2 million passengers on weekdays, making it one of the busiest in the São Paulo metro system.

Is the São Paulo Metro internationally recognized?

Yes, in 2019 it was elected the best metro in the Americas by ALAMYS, due to its efficiency, punctuality, and constant modernization.