Rail passenger transport movements in Chile have exhibited significant fluctuations over the past decade. Between 2013 and 2023, the sector saw substantial variability due to both macroeconomic factors and the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the passenger kilometers dropped significantly in 2020 by over 50%, then rebounded strongly in 2021 and 2022, with an 80% increase in 2022. Despite the recovery, 2023 saw a significant decline of nearly 40%, bringing the value to 575.37 million passenger kilometers.
Looking at recent trends, from 2021 to 2023, the sector increased in 2021 by 51% but then decreased by almost 40% in 2023. The five-year compound annual growth rate from 2018 to 2023 stood at -3.19%. Forecasts from 2024 onwards indicate a gradual decline, with an average annual decrease of approximately 2.5%, suggesting a reduction in passenger kilometers by around 12% by 2028.
Future trends to watch for include technological advancements in rail transport, policy changes affecting public transportation, and shifts in passenger behavior post-pandemic. Monitoring these factors will be crucial for predicting the sector's long-term trajectory.
