Santo Domingo Monorail Moves Ahead With RD$29B Contract Award

Santo Domingo is moving forward with one of its most ambitious urban transit projects in decades. Officials have selected the National Consortium for Integrated Mobility (CNMI) to lead the first phase of the capital's new monorail system, in a contract valued at approximately RD$29 billion, according to Dominican Today.

Who's Building It

The Trust for the Development of the Mass Transit System confirmed that CNMI will handle detailed engineering work along with the construction of core infrastructure and system components. The tender itself was launched in September 2025 through an open, competitive process, with authorities extending submission deadlines to attract a wider pool of bidders.

Why It Matters for Travelers and Expats

For visitors and residents alike, the monorail represents another major step in expanding Santo Domingo's public transportation network, which already includes two Metro lines and a cable car system (Teleférico). Once operational, the monorail is expected to ease congestion in a city where traffic can significantly extend travel times between neighborhoods, the Colonial Zone, and the airport corridor.

Expats considering a move to Santo Domingo — and travelers planning extended stays — should watch this project closely, as improved transit typically influences neighborhood desirability, rental markets, and day-to-day mobility.

What to Expect During Construction

Large-scale infrastructure projects of this size typically involve street closures, detours, and rerouted bus services in affected corridors. Travelers driving in Santo Domingo in the months ahead should:

• Allow extra time for cross-town journeys, particularly during rush hour
• Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or InDrive, which update routes in real time
• Check with hotels about the best access routes to the Colonial Zone and Las Américas International Airport
• Consider using the existing Metro (Lines 1 and 2) for north-south travel, as it remains the fastest option through central Santo Domingo

No official launch date for passenger service has been announced. Dominican Today reports that further details on timelines and route specifics are expected as the engineering phase advances. Travelers should look to the Trust's future updates for confirmed construction schedules and any impact on tourist areas.