Where Chilean presidential candidates stand on public transport

Most of Chile’s presidential hopefuls believe that urban development must include focusing on improving public transport, though there are some differences regarding the public sector. 

José Antonio Kast, Sebastián Sichel, Yasna Provoste and Marco Enríquez-Ominami agreed on the need to expand Santiago’s metro system, continue with the current administration’s electromobility push and improve the capital’s BRT system.

However, Enríquez-Ominami, from the center-left Progressive Party, said in a debate that all public transport should be handled by the state, describing the current system as private with public subsidies.

“Connecting the fringe of the city is a state duty,” he said during an urban development debate hosted by daily La Tercera. 

Meanwhile Kast, from the conservative Republican Party, said he would not only expand the metro, but also build cable car lines and commuter trains where the subway cannot reach. 

“We have a public transport system that isn’t welcomed by the people, because it has advanced, but not at the required speed,” he said.

Kast’s economic program chief, Eduardo Guerrero, previously said that the candidate would be open to using the concessions system to expand the metro, something that has not been backed by current and former administrations. 

Sichel, who is supported by the ruling center-right alliance, said he would continue with the development of metro lines, arguing the network helped improve equality.

He also said that his administration would seek to improve transport systems in regional capitals such as Valparaíso.

Lastly Provoste, from the centrist Christian Democrat Party, said she would aim to have bus fleets 100% electric by 2035 in areas considered “saturated” in terms of air pollution. 

However, she also emphasized the need to improve local access to commercial and public services in fringe areas to reduce the number of trips residents have to make, saying some families spend half their income on public transport.

“We need to be able to not only connect these neighborhoods with the city center, but we also have to improve local facilities to improve quality of life and reduce unnecessary trips,” she said.

The latest poll released by consulting firm Criteria shows Kast tied with left-wing candidate Gabriel Boric, from the Apruebo Dignidad coalition who did not participate in La Tercera’s debate, with both standing at 25%.

Provoste is third with 10%, while Sichel has 8% support and Enriquez-Ominami 4%, according to the poll.

The election takes place November 21 and if no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote a runoff will be held between the top two on December 19.