Red Movilidad consolidates the participation of women drivers in public transport with new graduates in Puente Alto

October 16, 2025.– The Metropolitan Public Transport Directorate (DTPM), together with the operating company Conecta Mobility and the Municipality of Puente Alto, held this Thursday the closing ceremony of a new course of the Women Drivers Program, which allowed the training of 24 women from the commune to join as drivers of the Mobility Network system. All of them were hired by Conecta from the beginning of their training, formalizing their incorporation into the workforce and ensuring their immediate labor insertion.

This initiative, promoted by the DTPM in alliance with operating companies and local governments, seeks to promote gender equality and labor inclusion in a historically masculinized area, in addition to making visible new female references in public transport. It also contributes to the productivity of the system and to the formalization of female employment, strengthening the participation of women in a key sector for urban mobility.

“Public transport is undergoing a profound change. Incorporating more women behind the wheel not only brings diversity, but also improves the travel experience and strengthens equity in the sector. These drivers are an example of effort, professionalism and social transformation,” said Paola Tapia Salas, director of Metropolitan Public Transport.

The Women Drivers Program has demonstrated a sustained impact since its inception. In 2022, Red Movilidad had 959 women drivers; Today, the number stands at 2,156, which represents an increase of 125% in the current administration. Currently, women make up 12.13% of the total number of drivers in the system, a historic figure that will continue to grow thanks to the new bidding requirements, which establish a minimum quota of 18% of women drivers in three years.

In 2025 alone, Conecta Mobility financed 12 courses, of which two were dedicated exclusively to women – one in Puente Alto and the other in San Bernardo – benefiting 50 women in total. Since its start of operations in July of this year, Conecta has more than 260 women behind the wheel, reaching 18% female participation, the highest figure in the system.

“For Conecta, this program represents more than a goal accomplished: it is a commitment to the talent and autonomy of the women who move our city. Each of them demonstrates that driving is also a space for leadership, commitment and public service,” said Mónica Álvarez, president of the board of directors of Conecta Mobility.

The Women Drivers Program has established itself as an emblematic public policy, with 23 projects implemented in 10 communes of the Metropolitan Region, directly benefiting more than 500 women. In addition, the current bidding rules require companies to be certified by the Chilean Standard 3262, which promotes gender equality and the reconciliation of work, family and personal life.

With initiatives like this, the Metropolitan Public Transport Directory reaffirms its commitment to a more inclusive, equitable and representative mobility, where women are not only the main users of the system, but also active protagonists of its transformation.