Ever wondered what it feels like to ride South America’s first mass-transit monorail? Here we are ready to explore the Linha 15 – Prata in São Paulo.
The Linha 15 – Prata is not just any metro line. It is a pioneering project. It has transformed urban mobility in São Paulo. The Silver Line is also known as Linha 15–Prata in Portuguese. It stands out as South America’s first mass-transit monorail system. It is also the first in the world to use the Bombardier Innovia Monorail 300.
When fully completed, Linha 15 – Prata will be the largest and highest capacity monorail system in the Americas. It will be second worldwide only to the Chongqing Monorail.
The first section opened on August 30 2014. It ran from Vila Prudente to Oratório. Initially, it operated only on weekends from 10 AM to 3 PM. By October 26 2016 the line operated from 4:40 AM to 12 AM.
Currently the Linha 15 – Prata is 14.6 km long. It features eleven stations connecting Vila Prudente and Jardim Colonial. The line uses completely driverless technology.
The route is elevated providing unique views of the city.
The history of Linha 15 – Prata has had some challenges. In 2020, the line was shut down for over three months. This happened after parts fell onto Avenida Sapopemba. All trains were inspected. Another accident occurred in March 2023. Two trains collided but fortunately no one was injured.
Alstom designed the existing fleet on Linha 15. It also provided the signaling systems. The 27 Innovia 300 trains are equipped with Cityflo 650 signaling. This allows integration with systems like passenger information panels and CCTV. The trains also feature regenerative braking and LED lighting.
Did you know that on August 20 2024 Linha 15 hit a record? It transported 140000 people in a single day.
Future plans include extensions to Ipiranga Boa Esperança and Jacu-Pêssego. A new depot is also planned at Ragueb Chohfi. Once complete the line will span 19.1 kilometers with 14 stations. It will serve an estimated 380000 passengers daily. The daily ridership is 114000 per business day.
The Linha 15 – Prata has transformed travel in São Paulo. It significantly reduces travel times. It connects communities. It also sets the stage for future transport innovations.
Alstom celebrates a decade of operation of the São Paulo Monorail Line 15-Prata since August 30, 2014.