Mexico City – Integrated Transport Solutions

Mexico City’s mobility transformation integrates transportation systems, introducing innovative solutions like the world’s longest cable car line, modernised metro, and bike-share programmes, enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability for citizens and visitors.[^1]

Case study

| City | Mexico City – 2024 Laureate | | Type | Transportation | | Location | Citywide |

The integrated transport card © Mexico City government

Key issues

Mexico City is working to enhance its transportation systems, reducing travel times and providing secure transportation for all citizens. This involves integrating various transportation modes, including the Metro, Metrobús, Electric Transportation Services, Passenger Transport Network, Ecobici, and Bike Stations, into a seamless and efficient network. The city is prioritising increased access to opportunities for marginalised communities, particularly in densely populated areas.

Objectives

Through its mobility transformation, the city aims to improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors, promoting economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Ultimately, Mexico City is striving to create a more liveable, sustainable, and resilient city, where citizens can move freely, safely, and efficiently. The city’s electromobility project and modernisation of the metro system aim to reduce congestion, decrease travel times, and enhance the overall commuting experience, making Mexico City a more attractive and competitive destination.

Key strategies

Firstly, the city has launched the Integrated Mobility Card, an access pass that seamlessly connects various transportation modes. This card, designed with international security standards, ensures transparency and prevents fraudulent activities, promoting trust and peace of mind among users. Additionally, the city has implemented the Cablebús system, specifically targeting densely populated areas to reduce travel times and provide secure transportation.

Secondly, the city has introduced an elevated trolleybus system in the eastern zone to alleviate congestion and enhance transportation. This innovative solution serves a daily ridership of 76,000 users, significantly improving mobility for those living in densely populated areas. Furthermore, the city has initiated a comprehensive modernisation plan for the metro system, aiming to reduce waiting times and increase transportation capacity. This plan, started in 2021, minimises breakdowns and generates cost savings in train maintenance, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency and quality of the metro system.

Lastly, the city has promoted eco-friendly transportation options through bike-sharing programmes like Ecobici and the Muevete en Bici open streets programme. Ecobici, the largest bike-sharing system in Latin America, offers residents and visitors an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, complemented by an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes. The Muevete en Bici programme temporarily closes streets to cars, allowing citizens to walk, cycle, and skate, fostering a sense of community and promoting sustainable transportation.

Impacts

The impacts of Mexico City’s transportation initiatives have been profound, with significant improvements in cycling infrastructure and public transportation accessibility. The Muevete en Bici programme has attracted thousands of participants, promoting a culture of sustainability and community engagement, while the expansion of bike lanes has made multi-modal commuting more accessible, reducing reliance on private vehicles and decreasing environmental pollution.

The integration of bike-share into the transit card has also made affordable transportation options available to residents, with 6,000 bicycles available for use throughout the city, complemented by an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes totalling approximately 250 kilometres in length. This has further enhanced the city’s commitment to providing sustainable and equitable transportation solutions for all residents.

The Cablebús Line 2 has revolutionised transportation in the Iztapalapa district, reducing commute times from over two hours to just 25 minutes, and providing an affordable transportation option at seven Mexican pesos (approximately 40 cents USD) for residents. Additionally, the Metrobús system, comprising seven lines, over 700 buses, and dedicated lanes, has improved public transportation options, while the modernisation of the metro system has increased efficiency and reduced waiting times, showcasing Mexico City’s dedication to providing efficient and accessible transportation solutions for its citizens. O

[^1]: The information in this case study is correct as of 2023.