China Sends New Train for Mexico City Metro Line 1
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China Sends New Train for Mexico City Metro Line 1

Photo by:   Robert Tudor
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Paloma Duran By Paloma Duran | Journalist and Industry Analyst - Wed, 07/20/2022 - 10:57

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the modernization works on Line 1 of the Mexico City Metro have already begun and that a new train from China is arriving today. Even though the works will affect many users because Line 1 will be suspended for more than a year, Sheinbaum emphasizes the move was necessary to improve the subway system’s service.

In a video, Sheinbaum explained that the Line 1 modernization plan aims to create a completely new line, which will have new track as well as new transmission, distribution, communication and train systems to provide greater comfort to users and reduce travel times. Sheinbaum announced that tracks are currently being removed and that the rail platforms will be taken out next.

One of the new trains to operate on Line 1 has been shipped from China on Tuesday. Sheinbaum highlighted that a total of 29 trains will run on the line, all of them will have better ventilation, seats and speed. “There are 29 trains, of which the first is made entirely in China. The other 28 are manufactured differently: 65 percent in China and 35 percent in a plant that will be installed in Querétaro,” Sheinbaum said.

In addition, the mayor emphasized that since part of the trains will be manufactured domestically, employment will increase. Furthermore, national suppliers will benefit, and technological cooperation from China to Mexico will increase.

Experts agree with Line 1’s need for modernization,  but the government's plan has been criticized as the line will be closed for 8 months during the first stage of works and six months during the second stage. Sheinabum acknowledged the problems this causes for travellers in the city, however she emphasized that the decision to renew the line will benefit Mexicans. “Today, we are renewing Line 1 to operate another 50 years. We are thinking of families, workers and children, who will not only have a more comfortable trip, but will also travel in less time,” said Sheinbaum.

In addition, Andrés Lajous, Minister of Mobility, said that the government aims to compensate travelers with a good transportation alternative through the support of 300 units of the Passenger Transportation Network. “We are making improvements to ensure we have good services during these works. In addition, we do not want to affect the pockets of the travelers. Therefore, the alternative transport is free, ” Lajous said.

Photo by:   Robert Tudor

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