Religious festival preparations in Chile

Authorities in Chile are coordinating logistics for major religious festivals in Calama and Pelequén.

In Calama, municipal and provincial officials are preparing for the Fiesta de Ayquina, scheduled for September 8. Preparations include security planning, infrastructure deployment, and service maintenance to accommodate an expected crowd of over 70,000 people.

In Pelequén, preparations for the Santa Rosa celebration have focused on security and community initiatives, such as urging pilgrims to provide food donations for vulnerable families. As the event approaches, transport authorities in O’Higgins have implemented special measures to manage approximately 300,000 pilgrims. These measures include extraordinary train stops at the Pelequén station, the establishment of dedicated electronic payment points, and a 30% increase in authorized bus fleet capacity to serve the Malloa commune.

In a broader effort to modernize regional transit, EFE Trenes de Chile has implemented the S3 Passenger platform by Siemens Mobility. This marks the first use of this AI-powered software in South America, intended to modernize ticket sales, dynamic pricing, and passenger reservations for long-distance services. Developed by Sqills, the software-as-a-service platform utilizes artificial intelligence for inventory management and aims to enhance the passenger experience through faster, more personalized booking. The system allows for managing reservations, requesting assistance, and adding services such as pet transport, extra luggage, and meal options. Operationally, the technology automates manual tasks like station cash handling, allowing staff to focus on customer service and specialized assistance, such as for passengers in wheelchairs.