Chalco-Santa Martha Trolleybus to Boost Connectivity

Efforts continue toward improving mobility and addressing the growing demand for public transportation. These efforts include a trolleybus connecting Mexico City and the State of Mexico: the Chalco-Santa Martha Trolleybus.

The trolleybus’s construction is being supervised by the Antea Group (formerly known as Iceacsa). It will be integrated with Line 10 of Mexico City’s elevated Trolleybus and promises to transform commuting experiences for millions of people. With an expected completion date in the first quarter of 2024, the project aims to improve public transport, cutting travel times significantly and benefiting nearly 3 million people. 

The Chalco-Santa Martha trolleybus was conceptualized during former President Enrique Peña Nieto's administration. However, a lack of resources and investment hindered its progress, as it was initially set to finish construction on Dec. 31, 2022.

Jorge Nuño, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation, highlighted the investment in the project during this morning's press conference, revealing that MX$7.4 billion (US$439 million) came from the State of Mexico. At the same time, MX$2.8 billion (US$166 million) was allocated by the SICT for the acquisition of 90 trolleybuses and connections to Mexico City. "It has been a long time since we had built so many kilometers for passenger transportation service in Mexico City, in addition to 250 plus kilometers being built in the Southwest," says Nuño.

Alfredo del Mazo Maza, Governor of the State of Mexico, stated the trolleybus will be 18.5km long and will comprise 13 stations and two terminals. It will also become an extension of the Ermita Iztapalapa Elevated Trolleybus. The project aims to accommodate 120,000 passengers initially, with an eventual demand projection of 230,000 passengers. To achieve this, the trolleybus will begin with a fleet of 108 units (102 acquired by the SICT) and scale up to 184 units, each boasting a capacity to carry up to 140 passengers.

Daily commuters face journeys that can last up to two hours; with the Chalco-Santa Martha trolleybus, commute times are estimated between 33 minutes for the express service and around 45 minutes for regular trips; this will save passengers one hour and 15 minutes.

Delfina Gómez Álvarez, elected Governor of the State of Mexico, emphasized the importance of continuity in transportation projects during the transition between administrations, as strengthening the state's infrastructure and transportation networks has become a priority.