A new full color book - Buenos Aires Subte - Linea A - is now available, completely capturing and transmitting the look and feel of the soon-to-be gone historic "La Brugeoise" wooden subway.
The A-line of the Buenos Aires subway system is the oldest in Latin America. Inaugurated in 1913, the line extends over 6 miles west from Plaza de Mayo in downtown Buenos Aires, carrying over 300,000 passengers daily. In January 2013, city mayor Mauricio Macri shut down the line for two months to replace the original cars built in Belgium with upgraded models. This decision turned into a controversial and polemic fight between the pragmatic and romantic visions of life in Buenos Aires. Non-profit organizations, and a handful of city legislators rapidly responded to the news, trying to halt the closure of the line, without success, even pushing to have the trains legally declared part of Argentina's cultural and historical heritage. The trains were used as commuter trains by the working-class of Buenos Aires, and their maintenance involved a high-level of pride and hand-crafted expertise. The cars might yet be kept for weekend use, but it remains to be seen if romanticism can accommodate efficiency and safety.
Beatrice Murch is a photojournalist and photo editor with photos published in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Latino Fox News, The Telegraph, BBC, and The Argentina Independent. With North American and English roots, she has traveled throughout South America, and currently she calls Buenos Aires home.
Jerry Nelson is a recognized photojournalist throughout North America, now based in Buenos Aires. With credits including CNN, USAToday, UpSurge, EarthWalkers and many more, he typically turns his camera on to social justice issues. With a long and varied life experience, Jerry brings a special and honest viewpoint to his pictures.
The book is available for purchase on Blurb and can be seen by clicking here. Part of the profits from the sale of the book will be shared with non-profits dedicated to educating the public and defending this international treasure.
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