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Choo-choo, I am moving down the lane

passenger trains, Guelaguetza & Condesa tianguis

Author

Rocio C
July 18, 2024

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TOP NEWS 

Soñadoras

New Passenger Train Routes Planned for Mexico

President-elect Sheinbaum draws inspo from Europe and plans for passenger railway expansion in Mexico.

Tell me more.

Last week, President-elect Sheinbaum announced an ambitious plan to launch her term by expanding Mexico's passenger railway network with three new routes. Following the blueprint of the controversial Maya Train, which utilized a blend of public and private investment, these routes will connect Mexico City to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico City to Guadalajara, and the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) to Pachuca.

The construction for the Nuevo Laredo and Guadalajara routes is scheduled to begin in October, with an expected completion date of December 2029. The AIFA to Pachuca route is anticipated to be finished by September.

Sheinbaum aims to build approximately 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) of passenger rail, which is double the amount built by her predecessor, outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). The new trains will be electric, capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 mph (160 kph), a significant shift from the diesel-powered freight trains currently dominating Mexico's railways.

Her plan involves army engineers overseeing private contractors to develop passenger lines along the same rights-of-way currently used by private operators for freight transport.

What does this mean?

These new rail projects are set to nearly double the scope of AMLO's railway programs, which included the $30 billion Maya tourist train on the Yucatan Peninsula. However, the cost of the Maya train contributed to a budget deficit nearing 6% of GDP this year. Experts are questioning the practicality of the new trains in a country where most travelers rely on cars, buses, or airlines to cover long distances.

Despite the skepticism, Óscar del Cueto, head of the Mexican Railway Association (AMF), praised Sheinbaum's announcement. Additionally, the outgoing president emphasized in his press conference that the new passenger trains will generate jobs.

🍺 Mexico's agri-food trade surplus jumps by 22%.

🎪 Oaxaca is getting ready to host 139,000 visitors for the 2024 Guelaguetza festival.

🎙️ Google doodle recently honored Mexico’s iconic singer Juan Gabriel.

🚀 Querétaro airport is set to become Mexico’s first aerospace port.

🗿 Mayan Chaac 1, Greek Poseidon 0 – Mexico cancels statue in Yucatan.

CULTURE & HAPPENINGS
ROCIO RECOMMENDS

Condesa Tianguis. Every Tuesday, this vibrant market appears in my neighborhood, offering fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, household items, clothing and delicious cooked dishes.

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