RIO DE JANEIRO - A train has made the journey for the first time along Rio de Janeiro's new underground metro line, considered a crucial link for public transport during the Olympic Games in less than three months.
Line 4 of Rio's metro links the touristy neighborhood of Ipanema in the south to Barra da Tijuca in the west where the Olympic Park and athletes' village are located
The test trip passed through the five stations on Line 4, which links the touristy neighborhood of Ipanema in the south of Rio to Barra da Tijuca in the west where the Olympic Park and athletes' village are located.
Video of the test was posted Tuesday on the site of Rio state transport department, but took place Sunday. In the operation, an engine pushed a train car.
The progress comes amid worries that the metro will not be ready in time.
Officials say the line will open August 1, just four days before the Games open, and will only be available to people accredited to the Games or with tickets to watch. The general public will only be able to ride on the line on September 19, when the Paralympic Games, which follow the Olympics, are over.
"In June the train will run on Line 4, on the western part and then on the southern part, for complete tests necessary ahead of the August 1 opening," said state Transport Secretary Rodrigo Vieira.
"On August 1, Line 4 will be operational at all the stations."
Vieira told O Globo newspaper that the metro will be open from 6:00 am to 1:00 am on Monday to Saturday during the Games, and from 7:00 am to 1:00 am on Sundays, although some days the hours will be extended to 2:00 am.
Construction of the metro started in June 2010 and is expected to cost 9.7 billion reais ($2.7 billion), almost double the original budget.