This text analyzes the amount and type of automated public transport used daily by citizens of Mexico. By automated public transport in Mexico, we are referring mainly to buses and trains. Automated public transport plays an essential role in the daily lives of millions of people in Mexico, particularly in densely populated urban areas such as Mexico City. The main systems of automated public transportation include the Metro (subway), Metrobús (Bus Rapid Transit or BRT), and the Tren Suburbano (commuter rail). These systems offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for urban mobility, helping to ease traffic congestion and reduce commuter travel time.
Automated Public Transport Systems in Mexico
Mexico City Metro: Established in 1969, the Mexico City Metro is one of the largest and busiest subway systems globally. As of 2023, it comprises 12 lines covering approximately 226 kilometers, with 195 stations. The Metro operates electric trains, making it a fully electrified system. In 2023, the Metro recorded a ridership of approximately 1.65 billion passengers, averaging around 4.5 million daily users.
Metrobús: Launched in 2005, the Metrobús system serves as a BRT network in Mexico City. It consists of several lines that traverse major city corridors. Metrobús primarily utilizes high-capacity, articulated buses that run on dedicated lanes to ensure timely service. In November 2023, Metrobús transported over 36.8 million passengers, accounting for 22.1% of public transport users in the city for that month.
Tren Suburbano: This commuter rail system connects Mexico City with neighboring suburbs. The primary line runs from Buenavista to Cuautitlán, covering a distance of 26 kilometers. The Tren Suburbano is fully electrified and, as of 2018, served an average of 200,000 passengers daily.
Fuel Types and Environmental Impact
In Mexico City, the Metrobús system predominantly operates using diesel buses, but efforts are underway to transition to electric vehicles as a strategy to minimize environmental impact. In contrast, the Mexico City Metro and Tren Suburbano are fully electrified, allowing them to produce significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than transportation systems that rely on fossil fuels. According to a study conducted in 2023, converting public transport buses in Mexico City to electric power could decrease CO₂ emissions by approximately 40k tons per year. This environmental benefit is equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of 1.9 million mature trees. These findings highlight the potential of electric public transportation to contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly urban mobility system.
Cost of Transportation
Public transportation in Mexico is designed to be affordable. As of 2024, the fare for the Tren Suburbano is 10.50 pesos (approximately US$0.57) for trips up to three stations and 24.50 pesos (approximately US$1.32) for longer journeys.
The Mexico City Metro maintains a flat fare of 5 pesos (approximately US$0.27) per ride, making it one of the most cost-effective metro systems worldwide. Metrobús fares vary by distance and line but generally range between 6 to 7 pesos (approximately US$0.32 to US$0.37) per trip.
Trends in Public Transport Usage
Over the past decade, public transport systems in Mexico have experienced fluctuations in ridership. Factors such as urbanization, population growth, and economic conditions have influenced these trends. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic 2020 led to a significant decline in public transport usage due to mobility restrictions and health concerns. For instance, the Mexico City Metro saw a 43.5% decrease in ridership in 2020 compared to the previous year.
Recently, a concerted effort has been made to revitalize and expand public transport infrastructure. Initiatives include the introduction of new Metrobús lines, expansion of the Metro network, and plans for additional commuter rail services. These developments aim to accommodate a growing urban population and address environmental concerns by promoting efficient, low-emission public transportation.
Conclusion
Automated public transport systems in Mexico, particularly in urban hubs like Mexico City, are essential for ensuring efficient mobility and reducing traffic congestion. The Metro, Metrobús, and Tren Suburbano provide affordable and reliable transit options for millions of daily commuters. Despite environmental impact and fluctuating ridership, ongoing investments in electrification and infrastructure expansion pave the way for a more sustainable and accessible public transport system. These efforts are crucial for Mexico to meet its climate goals and enhance urban mobility for its citizens.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Mexico Country Manager Pablo Necoechea.