The responsibility over the Buenos Aires’ subte system has been in limbo since it was set to transfer from the Federal Government to the City Government. The handover has been plagued by continuing set-backs and is now caught in a web of litigation.
Amidst this dischord have been a series of strikes by subte workers, headed by the two unions representing them, who are also at logger-heads. The strikes have paralysed the city and aggravated commuters.
The Indy took the streets to gauge citizen opinion on the issues surrounding the subte.
Photos by Agus Carini
Eduardo Ruiz
I don’t use [the subte] often and this is a difficult question … the city government is trying to take care of the subte but the national government is not helping them. The problem is that both of them are proud and the people end up paying the cost.
Now, in my opinion, it is the responsibility of the national government. [The national government] hasn’t given the subte to the city yet. The city government is in a better position to take responsibility for the subte. I think they will do a better job.
Luis Rubin
The national government should take responsibility for the subte. The City of Buenos Aires should not have the responsibility because it does not have the means or the political capacity. Buenos Aires is a hybrid, between a city and a province. It is too big and it does not have the resources.
The national government should be in charge, but the people should choose someone to be in charge … someone with experience in transportation. The service is fine right now, it could work better, but it works.
Maricela Soledad
Cristina, the president [should take responsibility]. It is Macri’s [responsibility] too, it is both of their responsibilities, but Cristina should be in charge. The level of service now is bad and we travel like cattle. You can’t travel safe anymore and you can’t be sure you are going to arrive on time.
Marie-Laura
That is a difficult question. It is the responsibility of Macri and the city government. The subte is in Buenos Aires, therefore, the city government should be in charge. The service is regular now, it is not great but it is not bad. The strikes are a measure of force. I don’t think the city government could necessarily do a better job, but it is their responsibility and they should take control.
Monica Gilardoni
Macri made a promise during his campaign to take control of the subte and he should honour this. I am not sure if the city government could do a better job than the national government because they have not done a good job of providing public education and health care.
Transit doesn’t work well in the City of Buenos Aires, we need a long-term plan because the city is too big.
Nelson Gamero
Macri is doing a great job with the H line of the subte, which belongs to the city. I don’t have a lot of background on the issue, but I think, at the moment, the service is ok … I don’t know if the city [government] could do a better job. First they have to assume control and then we will see. I can’t comment, as they haven’t assumed responsibility yet.
The service is ok, but everyday at rush hour we are treated like animals. There should be more control of how many people are put on to each [subte car]. Right now the subte are the responsibility of the City of Buenos Aires. At this time I think it is working well and I don’t have a problem with it.
