Transmetro is a bus rapid transit system in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The first line opened on February 3, 2007. The fleet consists of modern Volvo buses made by Ciferal in Brazil. The buses have fixed stops and partly run on dedicated lanes, avoiding other traffic. Both stops and vehicles are guarded by municipal police. Service began in 2007 with a route between the City Hall (Municipalidad) and a market place at Centra Sur (Southern Transfer Station). The second route, Eje Central, started operations on August 14, 2010. This route serves the central corridor between 6th and 7th Avenue of Zones 1, 4, and 9. Buses run down the middle of the street, are separated from other traffic, and stop at stations approximately every kilometre. The stations are in the middle of the street, near areas of heavy pedestrian activity. Platforms are elevated so as to be level with the floor of the bus. Passengers may access the station via stairways, street crossings, or in some places tunnels. Elevator access for the disabled is not presently available. However, individuals requiring accessible entry can cross the street to access transportation through gates painted with a wheelchair logo. Roofs in the stations are covered with a transparent plastic covering. The buses are articulated Brazilian-made vehicles manufactured by Volvo and can carry approximately 100 passengers, including standing passengers. Security is provided by Guatemala City's transit police. Officers in fluorescent yellow vests are situated at most stations on the route. Sometimes security personnel ride on the Transmetro. History The southern line was first completed with funding from the Municipal government of Guatemala city, however, the central line was funded by a private initiative. On February 3, 2007, when the buses started to operate on the southern line, regional buses or "Chicken Buses" were banned from entering the city from the south roads. The change effectively made travelling the CA1 much faster compared before the line began to work. Chronological History January 1999: Mayor Fritz Garcia Gallont proposes implementing the Transmetro project, but it does not happen within his administration. January 2004: Alvaro Arzu, after being elected as mayor for a second term, confirmed that he considered the Transmetro as a solution to alleviate congestion in the city. June 2004: The city council says the first phase would be completed by the end of the year. December 2004: City council announces that they would push the