Introduction
The government of Mexico City, led by Clara Brugada, has announced a series of investments and tenders to modernize and expand the electric public transport network. This includes the acquisition of 14 new trolleybuses for Line 12, connecting Taxqueña to Perisur.
Electromobility Strategy
Brugada explained that this move is part of a broader electromobility strategy, aiming to replace the old microbus system with a new model involving companies, drivers, and workers. The government intends to phase out the traditional microbuses and introduce modern electric alternatives.
Upcoming Tenders
In the coming months, various tenders will be launched. The first is for acquiring 17 new trains for the Tren Ligero, connecting Taxqueña to Xochimilco. This investment is estimated at 1,300 million pesos and is part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Impact on Capacity and Accessibility
Once implemented, the Tren Ligero will transport 240,000 passengers daily, up from the current 130,000. The new route, dubbed “El Ajolote,” will have almost 40 trains and serve the alcaldías of Coyoacán, Tlalpan, and Xochimilco over a year-long tender period.
New Trolleybus Route
A new trolleybus route will connect the Metro Universidad to the Cetram Huipulco, covering nearly 11 kilometers and passing through Santa Úrsula, Estadio Azteca, and Huipulco. These will be newly acquired trolleybuses.
Cable Car Lines
The government is also working on tenders for three cable car lines: one in Tlalpan, another connecting Magdalena Contreras with Álvaro Obregón, and a third linking Milpa Alta to Tláhuac metro. These cable car lines, along with Metrobús and additional trolleybuses, aim to significantly improve public transportation in Mexico City.
New Trolleybus Units
Investment Details:
The acquisition of the 14 new trolleybuses represents a 130 million pesos investment by Cotaxasa, Corredor Taxqueña-Azteca S.A. Since its launch in June 2024, Line 12 has averaged 30,000 users on weekdays and transported over 7.2 billion passengers, according to Martín López Delgado, General Director of the Electric Transport Services (STE).
Benefits and Environmental Impact:
These new units offer autonomy to travel up to 75 kilometers without needing catenary connection, enhancing operational efficiency. By using clean energy sources, annual carbon dioxide emissions are estimated to save 11 tons.
Service Details:
The service covers a 15-kilometer route in both directions, with 17 intermediate stations and two terminals in Taxqueña and Perisur, taking only 30 minutes. This is a significant improvement from the previous travel time of over an hour.
Public Transport as a Tool for Social, Environmental, and Territorial Justice
Brugada emphasized that public transportation is a crucial tool for social, environmental, and territorial justice. Every investment in public transportation benefits the majority of Mexico City residents who rely on it without personal vehicles.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of the CDMX government’s transportation plan? The government aims to modernize and expand the electric public transport network, phasing out traditional microbuses in favor of new trolleybuses and cable cars.
- What are the upcoming tenders for? The government plans to launch tenders for new trains for the Tren Ligero, additional trolleybus units, and three cable car lines.
- How will these changes impact public transportation in Mexico City? These improvements will increase capacity, reduce travel times, and promote cleaner energy sources, ultimately benefiting the majority of residents who rely on public transportation.
