The Subway

Like all major cities, BA has a subway system. Its called the Subte. Its a typical subway system: quick, convenient and super crowded. Like New York, BA is now using paper tickets rather than tokens. I live three blocks from the subway and I use it several times each day. Unfortunately, I need to use it in the morning to get to school, so I am part of the rush-hour crush. On Fridays, it seems that the crush lasts all afternoon and well into the evening.

Also, like many cities, BA's subway was built at different times and the stations reflect the technology, civic wealth and aesthetics of the era in which they were built. The subway was originally built in 1913 and was the first built in South America. The line by my apartment, the "D" line, seems to have been the latest to have been built (the system is now privately run). You can access both tracks from all subway entrances (not possible on all lines), ride on new cars and wait in functional stations in good condition. The walls are plain, but the floor is a beautiful red herringbone tile. Actually all the floors are of this tile. Of all the lines I have ridden so far, the "C" line has the most beautiful stations, though they are a bit shabby. The stations on this route have beautiful Moorish-style tiled walls and tiled murals.

My only complaint about the subway is that it closes before 11 pm. Not sure why it closes so early in a city that stays out all night. It is a drag to go out somewhere only to have to take a taxi home because the subway no longer runs. Good reason for me to learn to use the bizarre bus system. I'll let you know how that goes.

Oh, according to Michele Reeves, a fellow Portlander now living in BA, the subway is not free on holidays. The government hasn't minted enough coins, so when the subway runs low on coins (to make change for people buying tickets), they have to just let everyone ride for free.