AMF, CICM Suggest Separate Tracks for Passenger and Freight Rail

The Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF) and the Mexican College of Civil Engineers (CICM) recommend building separate tracks for passenger rail lines, even when sharing the same right-of-way as freight lines. According to these organizations, separating tracks for passenger and freight trains, which operate under different regulations and requirements, has already proven effective in avoiding operational disruptions in Mexico.

President Sheinbaum outlined two potential approaches for expanding the rail network: using the infrastructure currently leased to freight companies or building parallel tracks specifically for passenger use. According to Iker De Luisa, General Director, AMF, separating passenger and freight routes would allow each type of train to operate without capacity or frequency constraints, noting that passenger and freight trains differ in speed, schedules, and technical specifications, which can complicate operations on shared tracks. "Freight railways should not damage infrastructure or require higher maintenance costs," De Luisa explained, adding that passenger trains need specific frequencies to remain competitive with other transport modes. 

Experts note that, due to technical differences, separate infrastructure is also favored. Mexican freight rail operates according to North American AREMA standards, which align with Canada and the United States, while passenger trains generally follow European standards or those of the International Union of Railways (UIC). Juan Carlos Miranda, Coordinator, CICM’s Railway Subcommittee, noted that passenger rail regulations have recently been developed, as the previous regulatory framework was primarily focused on freight operations.

The separate track model has already shown success in Mexico, with the Buenavista-Cuautitlan Suburban Train as a prominent example where freight and passenger trains operate on distinct tracks, reports Expansión. Furthermore, specialists emphasize the importance of conducting environmental and social impact assessments, securing right-of-way access, and carefully selecting passenger station locations to support efficient and accessible operations.