Montería's city hall launches Businú, Colombia's first mass public river transport system, turning the Sinú River into a key urban mobility axis. The project starts with two vessels and aims to cut travel times in the city. Mayor Hugo Kerguelén emphasized the historic shift in utilizing the river.
In an innovative move for mobility in Córdoba, Montería inaugurated Businú on Saturday, December 20, the country's first public river transport system. Mayor Hugo Kerguelén received the two initial vessels at the Rancho Grande embarcadero, signaling the start of operations on the Sinú River.
"For years the city grew facing the river without using it as a transport axis. Today that story begins to change," the mayor stated during the project presentation. Aimed at integrating the Sinú into the local mobility network, Businú promises to shorten travel times and promote sustainable use of the waterway.
Each vessel accommodates 36 passengers, measures 15.60 meters in length and 4.5 meters in beam. Built from naval steel weighing 36 tons, they feature Suzuki DF200 TX engines with 200 horsepower, ensuring efficient and safe river navigation.
The system required a 9 billion peso investment, stemming from an agreement signed on January 15, 2025. Its execution boosted the local and national production chain, creating 320 direct jobs and 960 indirect ones. The district administration is also building an operational headquarters to oversee service quality and safety.
This initiative positions Montería as a pioneer in public water transport, tailored to the Caribbean region's geography.
