Rio City Hall delivers renovation of the first section of the Santa Marta inclined plane

The inclined plane has gained a new cabin with space to carry up to 16 people and also to transport materials - Rafael Catarcione/City Hall of Rio

The City of Rio, through Rioluz, is modernizing the inclined plane in the Santa Marta community, replacing the chassis, adding a new cabin with space for transporting materials, renovating the five stations, among other interventions. The investment is almost R$1 million. The inclined plane is made up of two sections: the first was delivered to residents this Tuesday (25/4) by the deputy mayor of the South Zone, Flávio Valle, and the president of Rioluz, Eduardo Feital. The next stage will involve interventions and improvements to the second section. The expected delivery date is July of this year.

– We are delivering the renovation of the inclined plane. It is a very important transportation system here in the community, which residents use every day. Our goal, in addition to providing more comfort, is also to provide more safety. So, we did not only the aesthetic part but also the functional part. We replaced the carriage and carried out all maintenance on the steel cables. This is a service that benefits all residents of the region at no cost – declared the deputy mayor of the South Zone, Flávio Valle.

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 five stations are divided into two sections: the first comprises stations 1, 2 and 3. At the third, passengers transfer to stations 4 and 5.

– It’s a very happy day, especially for the residents of Santa Marta. We are delivering this first section, which includes three stations. Then, we will renovate the second section, the fourth and fifth stations. We have done an excellent job here to deliver to the population a public facility that transports people safely. It’s a very cool facility, all glass, where people can enjoy the beautiful view of the city – said Rioluz president Eduardo Feital.

The inclined plane transports approximately five thousand people per day and the new cabin 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 funicular. 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.