The Current State of Mobility in Mexico
In Mexico, mobility remains a privilege rather than a right for many. The public transportation system is insufficient, expensive, and often unsafe for millions of people.
According to Dr. Isabel Studer, President and CEO of Sostenibilidad Global, this situation reflects a structural crisis. She states, “Transportation in Mexico has not been a priority. Whether it’s a large or small city, you quickly realize that public transportation has not been considered a basic right.”
The Birth of the Alliance for Sustainable Mobility for All (AMST)
To address this crisis, Sostenibilidad Global launched the Alliance for Sustainable Mobility for All (AMST). The initiative aims to translate evidence into action by bringing together governments, businesses, communities, and civil society to accelerate the transition towards a clean, fair, and accessible transportation system.
Dr. Studer emphasizes that the goal is not merely to have more promises or isolated projects but to make sustainable mobility a shared reality, not just a privilege.
The Three Pillars of the AMST
The AMST is built on three pillars: social innovation, inspiring projects, and evidence-based public policy. Dr. Studer explains that the aim is to move away from top-down decision-making models and embrace co-created processes where different actors recognize their shared responsibility.
“We live in a country where 80% of the population resides in urban centers, yet public transportation is insufficient. People end up relying on cars, which exacerbates inequality and pollution,” she explains.
Formalization Without Exclusion
One of Dr. Studer’s main concerns is the informality dominating public and freight transportation. She stresses, “Formalization does not mean exclusion but integration.”
In the State of Mexico, where Sostenibilidad Global collaborates with local authorities, the AMST promotes training workshops and dialogues with small transport operators. The goal is to make formalization seem like an opportunity rather than a threat.
Electrologística and Safe Parking Lots: Tangible Projects
Among the projects impelled by the AMST are ElectroLogística, focusing on urban distribution using electric vehicles. This initiative targets “last-mile” routes, where companies can reduce operational costs by up to 50% through electrification and smart management systems.
Dr. Studer sees immense potential in urban logistics, citing how electromobility for last-mile delivery has already cut transportation costs nearly in half in countries like South Africa. In Mexico, the aim is to replicate this success with companies such as Grupo Bimbo, Estafeta, Amazon, and Bayer, which already have electric fleets.
Another ongoing project is the Red de Paradores Seguros con Electrolineras, addressing both road insecurity and the lack of charging infrastructure.
AI and Technology with a Social Focus
In the debate on artificial intelligence and energy efficiency, Dr. Studer acknowledges that AI does consume energy, increasing electricity demand. However, she notes that its consumption is relatively smaller compared to the economic benefits it generates.
Moreover, companies operating data centers are ensuring that a significant portion of this energy comes from renewable sources.
Dr. Studer clarifies that innovation sociality, one of the AMST’s pillars, involves not just applying technology but designing models balancing economic, environmental, and social aspects.
Climate Justice: Mobility as a Right
For Dr. Studer, the sustainable mobility discussion is inseparable from climate justice and public health.
“Transportation accounts for nearly 30% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond CO2, we must consider the air we breathe. Pollution claims lives. Clean transportation should not be a luxury,” she warns.
She adds that the transition should not be viewed solely through a technological lens. “Having modern trains is useless if only a few can use them; we need interconnected trains, bike lanes, and last-mile systems reaching towns and neighborhoods where people truly live,” she proposes.
Vision 2030: Concrete Actions, Not Just Words
Dr. Studer points out that little remains to achieve the 2030 target set by the United Nations for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Five years is not much, but we can still implement clean transportation in ten cities, redirect subsidies, and modernize small businesses’ fleets. These are concrete measures to start transforming the system by 2030,” she asserts.
“Mobility must be understood as social policy, not just infrastructure. Without ensuring access, safety, and clean air, there can be no real development,” she concludes.
Querétaro: A Model for Change
One of the AMST’s most advanced projects will be in Querétaro, where a forthcoming agreement aims to strengthen electrologística and professionalize public transportation.
“Querétaro has unique conditions: significant logistics activity, digital payment systems, and companies like DHL and Amazon operating there. It’s a success case to learn how to formalize without losing inclusivity,” she explains.
Solidarity: The Driving Force of Sustainable Mobility
Lastly, asked for a keyword encapsulating the alliance’s spirit and environment, Dr. Studer chose solidarity.
“Without a solidarian economy, there can be no real competitiveness or sustainable growth,” she explains. “An environmentally sustainable and socially solidarian economy must be a priority for the private sector,” she emphasizes.
