Quito Metro Logs 144 Million Trips in First Years

In Quito, Ecuador, the city’s metro system has recorded 143.8 million trips between its December 2023 opening and April 2026. The system is reshaping the city unevenly, with some areas experiencing growth while others remain unchanged. Five stations—Quitumbe, Labrador, Iñaquito, San Francisco, and El Recreo—account for the majority of traffic.

The metro’s arrival has increased foot traffic in the historic center by an estimated threefold, bringing new customers to local businesses. The city has also adjusted building regulations near stations like Labrador and Iñaquito, allowing for taller constructions. However, rising land prices—reaching $3,000 to $4,000 per square meter in La Carolina—raise concerns about displacement of vulnerable populations.

Stations like Quitumbe and Labrador are particularly important for those with limited transportation options, serving as access points for commuters from surrounding valleys and rural areas. The city has identified six strategic zones for urban renewal around the metro stations, but a method for funding affordable housing near these developing areas remains undefined.

⚠️ The analysis from CIDEU warns that without a mechanism to capture some of the value generated by the metro, speculation could displace the most vulnerable populations from the areas that are being revitalized.

❓ What station has the most accumulated trips? Quitumbe, with 19.4 million trips.