Peruvian Transport and Communications Minister Rafael Rey announced on Thursday that state agency ProInversion will evaluate using Caltrain trains between Lima and Chosica.
Speaking before Parliament on August 20, Rey denied opposing mass transit projects in the capital and said all studies and decisions regarding the Caltrain fleet would be handed over to the private investment promotion agency to determine their technical and economic viability.
The minister addressed recent media coverage, explaining that earlier remarks he made during a news interview had been misinterpreted. He stated that he harbors no animosity toward anyone and maintains no political conflicts, despite what he described as his known temperament.
Political Friction and Mass Transit
Rey defended his commitment to public transportation, asserting that only an irresponsible or miserable official would oppose a project that benefits the population due to personal or political disagreements. He added that while he has flaws, he is neither miserable nor irresponsible, and strongly rejected any questioning of his leadership at the ministry.
The minister emphasized that Peru and its capital require expanded mass transit options, clarifying that he fully supports rail systems. By turning over the analysis of the Caltrain proposal to ProInversion, Rey expressed hope that the public would recognize the rectitude of his actions.
ProInversion is Peru's state agency tasked with designing, evaluating, and promoting private investment initiatives and public-private partnerships for national infrastructure projects.
Purchase Details and Infrastructure Costs
The controversy surrounding the Caltrain units stems from earlier statements Rey made on August 12 during an interview with Peruvian news network RPP. At the time, Rey refuted claims that the passenger trains were donated to the capital, clarifying that the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima purchased the equipment directly from Caltrain for millions of dollars.
Caltrain operates a commuter rail line in California that recently upgraded its fleet, making surplus passenger cars available to municipal buyers. The Metropolitan Municipality of Lima acquired the train units to establish a passenger rail link between central Lima and the eastern suburb of Chosica.
Rey pointed out that deploying the trains safely and efficiently along the Lima to Chosica corridor requires extensive rail infrastructure. Citing preliminary figures, he noted that the necessary upgrades would demand an investment of approximately 500 million dollars.
