The Belo Horizonte Metro system stands as a vital transportation lifeline for Brazil’s sixth-largest city, efficiently connecting millions of residents and visitors across the metropolitan region. As the primary rapid transit system serving Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais state, this metro network has been facilitating urban mobility since its inaugural operation in August 1986.
Current Metro Network Overview
The system has one 28.1-kilometre (17.5 mi) line which serves 19 stations, making it compact yet strategically designed to serve key areas of the city. The Metro carried 54.4 million passengers in 2019, or approximately 150,000 passengers per day, demonstrating its crucial role in the city’s daily commute patterns.
The single Line 1 (Orange Line) operates from Vilarinho to Eldorado stations, running through the heart of Belo Horizonte’s urban core. The system maintains reliable service hours from 5:40 AM until 11:00 PM daily, with trains departing every 4 to 10 minutes depending on peak and off-peak hours.
Metro Operations and Management
The system is operated by Metrô BH company, which is part of the Comporte Group. This private concession model ensures efficient operations and ongoing infrastructure improvements. The company took over management responsibilities in March 2023, bringing fresh investment and modernization plans to the aging system.
Exciting Expansion: Line 2 Construction Begins
The most significant development for Belo Horizonte’s metro system is the commencement of Line 2 construction. After more than two decades of careful preparation and anticipation, the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, finally ushered in the start of the construction of Metro Line 2, a historic moment fixed on September 16, 2024.
The 10·5 km metro Line 2 will link Nova Suíça on Line 1 with Barreiro, extending service to previously underserved areas of the metropolitan region. The new line will feature seven modern stations and is expected to transform urban mobility patterns when operational.
Timeline and Future Prospects
The 10.5-kilometre-long line features seven modern stations along the route and is expected to be fully operational in 2028, with some stations expected to be ready for public access in 2026. This phased opening approach will allow residents to begin benefiting from expanded metro access even before the complete line is finished.
The expansion represents a significant investment in Belo Horizonte’s urban infrastructure, with 24 advanced trains manufactured by CRRC Coach set to serve the new line, incorporating modern technology and enhanced passenger comfort features.
Planning Your Metro Journey
For visitors and residents planning to use the Belo Horizonte Metro, the system offers an affordable and efficient way to navigate the city. The metro connects with numerous bus lines at various stations, creating an integrated public transportation network that serves the broader metropolitan area.
The ongoing modernization and expansion of the Belo Horizonte Metro system reflects the city’s commitment to sustainable urban transportation and improved quality of life for its residents. As Line 2 progresses toward completion, the metro will become an even more integral part of daily life in this vibrant Brazilian metropolis.
