Operation
Contenido
El funcionamiento del Sistema Integrado de Transporte de Medellín se basa en la operación zonal de rutas de transporte colectivo organizadas por cuencas, que articulan sus servicios con el Sistema Integrado de Transporte del Valle de Aburrá mediante paraderos, nodos de integración física y un sistema tarifario común.[9].
Las rutas del SIT operan con buses de mediana capacidad —principalmente microbuses, busetas y busetones— que recorren trayectos predeterminados dentro de su cuenca asignada. Los vehículos están identificados con un código numérico (por ejemplo, C3‑004), el cual indica la cuenca a la que pertenece y el número de ruta. Estos códigos se exhiben en los letreros electrónicos o impresos en la parte frontal del vehículo.[2].
Los usuarios deben abordar y descender únicamente en paraderos autorizados, señalizados en el espacio público con información básica sobre rutas y conexiones disponibles. En las zonas donde existe integración con el SITVA, estos paraderos se ubican cerca de estaciones del Metro de Medellín, Metrocable de Medellín, Tranvía de Ayacucho o Metroplús, lo que permite la transferencia directa entre modos de transporte.[9].
El acceso al servicio se realiza exclusivamente mediante la tarjeta Cívica, adoptada como único medio de pago en las rutas del SIT integradas al SITVA. Esta tarjeta funciona sin contacto y se valida al ingresar al vehículo mediante un lector ubicado junto al conductor. El sistema de recaudo reconoce un transbordo gratuito entre un modo SITVA y una ruta SIT dentro de una ventana de tiempo predefinida.[10] Fuera de ese margen, aplica un recargo tarifario según la estructura vigente, y se mantienen descuentos para estudiantes y adultos mayores.
La frecuencia de los buses y su programación horaria están definidas por cada operador zonal bajo regulación del Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá y la Empresa de Transporte Masivo del Valle de Aburrá . Durante las horas pico, las empresas están obligadas a aumentar la oferta de vehículos para garantizar la cobertura y la continuidad del servicio. El sistema monitorea en tiempo real la ubicación y frecuencia de los vehículos mediante tecnología GPS instalada en la flota.[11].
Cada operador cuenta con un centro de control zonal desde el cual se supervisa la operación diaria, se gestionan incidentes y se ajustan despachos según la demanda. En algunos buses se han incorporado pantallas informativas y sistemas de anuncios sonoros, aunque su implementación no es homogénea en toda la red.[2].
El SIT no admite el pago en efectivo, ni permite el embarque o desembarque fuera de los paraderos designados. Las condiciones técnicas y operativas del sistema están definidas por el AMVA y la Secretaría de Movilidad de Medellín, y se actualizan mediante resoluciones y acuerdos institucionales.[1] Las rutas y frecuencias pueden modificarse en función de evaluaciones de demanda, procesos de integración progresiva o disponibilidad presupuestal.
Validation and transfers
Access to the SIT routes integrated into the Aburrá Valley Integrated Transportation System is done exclusively through the Cívica card, a contactless card enabled as the only means of payment. This is validated when boarding the vehicle, bringing it close to the reader located next to the driver, which emits an audible and visual signal if the transaction is accepted. Otherwise, the deposit is rejected and the reason is reported (insufficient balance, inactive card, etc.).
The system automatically recognizes transfers between a SIT route and another SITVA mode (metro, metrocable, tram or Metroplús) within a given time window. During this period, the second trip does not generate an additional charge. Outside this margin, a surcharge is applied that by 2025 corresponds to a maximum of 600 COP, except for tariff exceptions.[10].
Transfers are recorded in the system's database and allow travel behavior to be monitored, frequencies optimized and the route network adjusted. The maximum number of free transfers and the duration of the window depend on the type of user (regular, student, senior citizen) and are updated in accordance with current metropolitan regulations.
The SIT is articulated with different modes of the massive SITVA system. The following table summarizes the main integrated modes, their operating characteristics and the usual connection points with feeder routes:.
Schedules and frequencies
The operating hours of the SIT routes vary depending on the basin, the operating company and the demand of the sector. In general, the routes begin their operation between 04:30 and 05:00, and conclude between 22:00 and 23:00, depending on the day and the type of connection with the Metro system. Feeder routes with direct links to trunk stations are usually synchronized with the first and last trains of the Medellín Metro.
The frequency of passage is also subject to hourly demand. During peak hours (approximately 06:00 to 08:30, and 16:30 to 19:30), the intervals between buses tend to be shorter, with frequencies between 6 and 12 minutes, depending on the route and the expected flow of passengers. During off-peak hours and weekends, the intervals can be extended to 20 or 30 minutes.
Each operator is responsible for adjusting the daily programming based on capacity reports, GPS monitoring and guidelines of the Aburrá Valley Metropolitan Area. These adjustments are communicated through the official channels of each company and, in some cases, at bus stops through signage or digital screens.[2].
The following table presents an estimated range of passing frequencies on SIT routes, differentiated by time zone. These figures may vary depending on the basin, the operating company and traffic conditions, but they offer a general framework for service scheduling:.
Signage and whereabouts
SIT vehicles can only stop at authorized stops, previously defined by local authorities. These points are distributed along each route and fulfill the double function of regulating the boarding and disembarkation of passengers, and of facilitating user orientation.
Each bus stop has vertical signage that identifies the stopping place, the name of the sector or neighborhood, and the routes that circulate there. In many cases, signage is also included with approximate schedules, destinations covered and possible connections with other SITVA modes.[12].
In integration stations such as San Antonio "Estación San Antonio (SITVA)"), Acevedo "Estación Acevedo (SITVA)") or Miraflores "Estación Miraflores (Medellín Metrocable)"), the SIT stops are adjacent to the metro, tram or metrocables accesses, allowing transfers without the need to travel long distances. Some of these stops have roofs, benches and digital screens that report estimated arrival times.
The use of bus stops is mandatory for both boarding and disembarkation. It is not allowed to stop the vehicle in intermediate places, except in cases of emergency or force majeure. This restriction seeks to improve road safety and guarantee operational efficiency.
Vehicle types
The SIT uses vehicles of different capacities and technical characteristics, depending on the demand of the route, the topography of the route and the availability of the fleet by the operator. The most common types are:
• - Microbuses: with capacity for between 19 and 25 passengers, used on short or low-demand routes, especially in hillside areas.
• - Buses: medium-sized vehicles for between 26 and 33 passengers, common on neighborhood or intermediate connection routes.
• - Buses: extended versions of the buses, with between 34 and 45 seats, suitable for longer or more crowded journeys.
• - Standard buses: some operators have incorporated vehicles with up to 80 passengers on trunk routes, although their use in the SIT is limited.[2].
All vehicles must meet accessibility requirements, such as lifting platforms or folding ramps, spaces for people with reduced mobility and visible internal signage. In addition, the buses are equipped with satellite monitoring devices (GPS), electronic collection validators, security cameras and communication systems with zonal control centers.
Vehicles in operation must carry a visible identification number, as well as the logos of the authorized operator and the transportation system to which they belong. The maximum age of the fleet and the technical conditions are regulated by guidelines of the Aburrá Valley Metropolitan Area and are subject to periodic control.
The SIT uses a heterogeneous fleet of vehicles, selected according to the demand for each route, the geographical conditions of the route and the technical specifications defined by the Aburrá Valley Metropolitan Area. The main types of vehicles in operation are summarized below: