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City Hall delivers renovation of the Santa Marta inclined plane
Published on 27/07/2023 - 09:46 | Updated on 27/07/2023 - 10:32
The inclined plane tram has capacity for 16 passengers - Rafael Catarcione/City of Rio On Thursday (July 27), Rio de Janeiro City Hall handed over the renovation of the Santa Marta community's inclined plane, which was completely modernized, with the replacement of the chassis, new cabins with space for transporting materials, renovation of the five stations, among other interventions. The investment is almost R$7 million. Managed by Rioluz, the equipment consists of two sections, the first of which was delivered to residents in April.
– It is a great joy and satisfaction to be here, delivering this public facility to the entire Santa Marta community. Today we are inaugurating the second section, which includes stations 3, 4 and 5. Three months ago, we delivered the first section. We are able to transport 16 passengers per trip, with a separate compartment for carrying construction debris, purchases, etc. – said Rioluz president Eduardo Feital.
Following requests from residents, Rioluz put out a bid for the complete renovation of the inclined plane, which was built following the geography of the Santa Marta community's terrain. Therefore, the route is divided into two sections: the first includes stations 1, 2 and 3. At the third station, passengers transfer to reach stations 4 and 5, which make up the second section.
– The inclined plane is important for the residents of the Santa Marta community, but it also promotes tourism in the area – commented the Secretary of Infrastructure, Jessick Trairi.
The inclined plane transports approximately five thousand people per day, and the new cabins can accommodate up to 16 passengers per trip. The transport is free and operates every day from 6 am to midnight.
On the inclined plane
Opened in May 2008 by the state government, the inclined plane was part of the community's urbanization works and was eagerly awaited by residents, especially those who live at the top of the favela and had to climb around 1.300 steps. In addition to providing accessibility for the elderly and disabled, the plan also serves to remove trash. The Santa Marta cable car, which is also considered a tourist attraction, began to be managed by the City of Rio, through Rioluz, in October 2015.
Residents praise the renovation of the equipment
Residents of Santa Marta celebrated the renovation of the inclined plane. Doorman Cristiano Martins, 35, said that now he will no longer need to walk up the hill, especially on days when he goes shopping for groceries.
– The inclined plane is a greater benefit for the elderly, because we know that the community is quite steep, with many stairs. Even I, who am younger, can no longer afford to go up and down all the time. Some days I even walk up, but it takes me about 40 minutes. On the inclined plane, it only takes about 10 minutes to get home – said Cristiano, who lives near station 4.
Cileide Macedo dos Santos, who has lived in the community for 47 years, said that transportation is essential for the population, especially the elderly.
– I think this renovation of the funicular is wonderful, because it is a much-needed benefit. We carry everything to go up and down: gas cylinders, groceries, etc. I use it a lot to go to the doctor and the supermarket. When someone is sick, it is very difficult to have to go down the stairs, often in a wheelchair. We have a lot of elderly people up there who need this tram – said the resident.
