Transformational Change through Leadership: Lessons from the First Electric Metro Line in Lima

There are leadership lessons to learn from the implementation and operation of Lima Metro Line 1, which facilitated a transformational change along its transit corridor. Line 1 is the first electric metro in Lima, the fifth largest and densest city in Latin America, and it reduces traffic volumes, air pollution, carbon footprints, and commuting times, which impact positively the environment and the productivity level in the city. This study is based on the infrastructure sustainability performance of Line 1, as assessed with the Envision rating system as part of the Infrastructure 360° Awards, where it received the project of the year award for most comprehensive sustainability performance. Many of Line 1 successes and high sustainability performance are funded by the implementation of social investment through the "Cultura Metro" initiative. This initiative is leading social inclusion programs in stations, and enhancing public spaces along the transit corridor, improving the quality of life for millions of people. Findings from this study indicate that the social investment has paid off in the community buy-in and ridership. This study contributes to the dissemination of lessons learned in sustainable leadership from Line 1, which can influence policy and innovations in public transportation infrastructure for zero carbon cities. The lessons from Line 1 can facilitate more transformational change in Lima, which is currently planning more metro lines, and in other cities in developing contexts, especially in regards to quality of life enhancements with emphasis in improving public space, urban security, and the environment.