Background on the Project and Its Significance
Monterrey, NL. Governor Samuel García Sepúlveda announced that President Claudia Sheinbaum will visit Nuevo León on August 26 to initiate the construction of the passenger train connecting Saltillo, Monterrey, and Nuevo Laredo. The announcement was made during the presentation of the New Mass Transit Network to business chambers and the state cabinet.
Reasons for Change in Plans
García explained that the passenger train project altered their original plan due to inability to compete and secure permits for routes adjacent to the Metro Line 4 and a passenger train route already under bidding. He mentioned that President Sheinbaum’s visit on August 26 signifies the state’s ability to utilize these trains more frequently, similar to public transportation.
Details of the Mass Transit Network
The passenger train will connect with Metro Line 4 at the San Jerónimo area, near Calzada San Pedro. Line 4 will span 7.62 kilometers, include seven stations, and link Pablo González Garza in San Pedro Garza García to the IMSS Gynecology Hospital on Felix U. Gomez Avenue in Monterrey. This project is currently 54% complete.
Line 6 of the Metro will be the longest in the system, stretching 17.6 kilometers with 17 stations. It will start at the IMSS Gynecology Hospital and traverse avenues like Constitución, Parque Fundidora, Prolongación Madero, and Miguel Alemán, crossing Monterrey, Guadalupe, Juarez, and Apodaca municipalities. García highlighted that this region represents nearly one-third of the metropolitan area.
Line 6 is 60% complete and will be “the longest continental monorail,” according to the governor. Additionally, an extension of Line 6 to the International Airport is being built with federal and state funding (50/50), currently at 17% completion, expected to be ready along with Lines 4 and 6 before the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Additional Components of the Mass Transit Network
The network also includes two BRT lines: the remodeled Ecovía and an electric light rail starting from Santa Lucía Station, near the IMSS Specialized Hospital No. 33 in Monterrey’s center, and extending to La Estanzuela along Eugenio Garza Sada Avenue.
Impact and Future Outlook
García emphasized that this new network, more than double the initial administration’s mass transit coverage, aims to revitalize public transportation in rapidly growing areas over the past few years.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Claudia Sheinbaum is the President of Mexico, who will officially launch the passenger train project in Nuevo León.
- What is the passenger train project? It’s a transportation initiative connecting Saltillo, Monterrey, and Nuevo Laredo, aiming to improve regional connectivity.
- Why was the original plan changed? The original suburban train plan from García to Monterrey International Airport faced conflicts with concessionaires, leading to the modification and current extension of Metro Line 6.
- What are the key features of the mass transit network? It includes Metro Lines 4 and 6, a passenger train, two BRT lines (Ecovía and electric light rail), and aims to significantly expand public transportation in growing metropolitan areas.
- When is the expected completion date? The project aims to be completed before the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
