Argentina Boosts Transport and Energy Access for Poorest with World Bank Support

In a significant move to enhance public services for its most vulnerable citizens, the World Bank Board of Directors has approved two new projects for Argentina, totalling $1 billion in new lending. These initiatives aim to improve public transport and electricity access for millions of residents in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area and beyond.

Transforming Public Transport

The first project, "Support to the Sustainability and Equity of Public Transport," is a $500 million initiative designed to make public transport more accessible for 5 million vulnerable users. This program will finance a social fare program offering a 55% discount on fares in 61 locations across Argentina where the SUBE card is available. Beneficiaries include retirees, pensioners, and Universal Allowance (AUH) holders.

Additionally, the project will optimize bus routes to better align with current mobility patterns, train inspectors and drivers to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, and develop strategies to transition the bus fleet to low-emission vehicles`[1]`.

Enhancing Energy Access

The second project, "Supp