As the only Brazilian city with a heavy monorail system dedicated to public transportation, São Paulo will take another step in the expansion of Line 17-Gold. Next week, the Metro will inaugurate the Washington Luís station and implement an unprecedented operational model in the São Paulo metro network: the “Y” operation.
The new station is located at the confluence of Avenida Jornalista Roberto Marinho and Avenida Washington Luís and marks the beginning of the line’s bifurcation. As a result, the branch will no longer operate solely between Congonhas Airport and Morumbi and will now offer a third destination to passengers.
Currently, Line 17-Gold operates on a provisional basis, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this period, trains run between Congonhas Airport and Morumbi stations, also serving Brooklin Paulista, Vereador José Diniz, Campo Belo — with connection to Line 5-Lilás —, Vila Cordeiro, and Chucri Zaidan. At Morumbi, there is a connection with Line 9-Emerald.
With the inauguration of the eighth station, the operation will have three terminals. Unlike the other lines in the São Paulo metro system, passengers will need to check the destination indicated on the trains before boarding, selecting the train that serves the desired route.
To enable this configuration, the Metro will adopt a shuttle operation system between Washington Luís and Brooklin Paulista stations. Passengers heading to Congonhas Airport or Morumbi must make a mandatory transfer at Brooklin Paulista. The same applies for those whose destination is the new Washington Luís station: they will need to disembark at Brooklin Paulista and board another train to complete their journey.
The new configuration will be made possible through the installation of a Points Machine (AMV), equipment responsible for directing each train to its respective branch. On the monorail, this process occurs through a mobile guide beam, which alters the route according to operational programming.
With more than 4,500 square meters of built area, the Washington Luís station was designed to provide full accessibility, featuring elevators, escalators, tactile flooring, and adapted restrooms. The project also incorporates sustainable solutions, such as natural lighting and ventilation, as well as a rainwater collection and reuse system.
Like the other stations on Line 17-Gold, the station features a mezzanine, lateral platforms, and circulation equipment compatible with the standard adopted in the São Paulo metro system.
The Metro expects to maintain partial operation at least through the end of September. During this period, tests, evaluations, and maturation of the new operational model will be conducted, allowing for a gradual expansion of the line’s operating hours thereafter.
Be the first to comment