One of the most typical Porteño images is the “colectivos”. The inter-city buses of our city have a particular style and colors. They are one of the most famous Argentine inventions which cover Buenos Aires City streets since the 20’s. They appeared in response to the need of public transportation in an expanding metropolis. Hostel Colonial tells you the story and peculiarities of these Argentine classics.
Its origin goes back to 1928, when a group of taxi drivers decided to draw up a fixed route, to announce it with a sign in the front of their cars and to allow more than one passenger to travel inside. They carried only 5 passengers who pay at the end of their route (today you have to pay as you get on board). As women were reluctant to travel on colectivos, the owners came up with an original idea: they hired travelling actresses to encourage other women to do so.
Nowadays, colectivos are the most common public transportation and the one that covers the largest part of our city. The bus stops are identified with a sign indicating the bus line number and a synthesis of the main stops of its route. Each bus line and its units are identified by one, two or three characteristic colors. The most famous is the 60, because of its extensive route and the flow of passengers they handle.
Each colectivo –inside and outside- is a different world. Many of them have “fileteado” expressions, a well-known Porteño plastic art in the sides or back of the bus. It’s all about names and short phrases accompanied by symbolic traditional images and arabesques. Inside, lots of color transfers and ornamental objects in the driver’s cabin. Other typical objects are the cuddly dices, heart-shaped mirrors, among others. If you visit Buenos Aires, you can’t miss the chance to travel in a colectivo.
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