The inauguration of line 17-gold, scheduled for this Tuesday (31), marks a relevant update on the São Paulo metro map and inaugurates the system’s expansion cycle. The monorail now connects the network to Congonhas airport, changing the mobility dynamics in the south of the capital.
In this first phase, seven stations come into immediate operation. The Washington Luís station should be opened around 90 days later, according to the Metro. Initial operation will be restricted, from 10am to 3pm, on weekdays, with intervals of approximately seven minutes and no fee charged until September.
The opening of line 17 is the first stage of an expansion. Still in 2026, the São Paulo government plans to deliver nine stations on line 6-orange, connecting Brasilândia, in the north zone, to Perdizes, in the west zone. The stretch is part of a larger project, which will continue to the central region, with completion estimated for 2027.
With these deliveries, the subway map gains two new lines and expands its coverage in areas that are still underserved. The expansion also changes integration with other regions of the city and reinforces connections with strategic hubs, such as the airport.
The two works, however, arrive with a history of delays. Line 17-gold was originally planned for the 2014 World Cup, while line 6-orange has faced shutdowns and dealership changes over the past decade.
In the case of line 6, the government states that around 80% of the works are completed. The exception is station 14 Bis-Saracura, in Bela Vista, which suffered delays after the identification of archaeological finds and still does not have confirmation of delivery on schedule.
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The expansion plan continues into the next decade. By 2032, the network should incorporate another 16 stations with the expansion of lines 2-green, 4-yellow and 15-silver, in addition to projects still in the initial phase, such as lines 16-violet and 19-celestial.
In addition to the subway, the state has started work on the Intercidades Train, which will connect São Paulo to Campinas at speeds of up to 140 km/h and an estimated time of 64 minutes. The operation is scheduled for 2031.
