Railways Receive Major Boost: The Week in Infrastructure

This week, major developments unfolded across the railway sector as GMXT acquired a 60% stake in US Rail Ferry Ventures, propelling itself as a key player in maritime transportation services for railway cars between the United States and Mexico. Simultaneously, Baja California announced the revival of the Tijuana-Tecate tourist train to foster tourism and economic growth.

In other news, Liberty Networks partnered with Gold Data to combine subsea cable systems to bolster connectivity between North and Latin America.

Ready? It is time for the Week in Infrastructure!

GMXT Acquires 60% Stake of US Rail Ferry Ventures

Grupo México, through its subsidiary Grupo México Transportes (GMXT), acquired a 60% stake in Golfo de Mexico Rail Ferry Holdings LLC and Rail Ferry Vessel Holdings LLC. The acquisition positions GMXT as a major player in maritime transportation services for railway cars between the United States and Mexico, known as rail ferry (ferrobuque). The service will use new environmentally friendly ships with increased capacity, aiming to enhance cross-border connectivity and trade.

Tijuana-Tecate Tourist Train Returns

The Government of Baja California announced the revival of the 20th Century Tijuana-Tecate tourist train, following President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's initiative to modernize railway infrastructure. The modernization aims to enhance mobility and foster economic growth. The train will offer a scenic journey for tourists and locals that will connect the trade hub Tijuana with Tecate, a designated "Pueblo Mágico." 

Xinquan Invests US$100 Million in Aguascalientes

Aguascalientes closed 2023 with a boost to its economy as Xinquan, a Chinese company specialized in the manufacture of luxury vehicle parts, announced a US$100 million investment in the construction of a second production plant at the San Francisco IV Industrial Park. 

SICT Inspects Lechería-Jaltocan-AIFA Train Expansion

The expansion of Line 1 of the Lecheria-Jaltocan-AIFA Suburban Train is in the making. Jorge Nuño, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation, recently inspected the project. With a total investment of US$1.5 billion, the expansion spans 23km and includes vehicular and pedestrian crossings, viaducts, and railway bridges. The project aims to reduce travel costs, accidents, and pollution, stimulate urban development, and improve social welfare. 

Grupo México Joins Genesee & Wyoming’s CG Railway Service

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) has announced Grupo México Transportes (GMXT) as its latest partner in the CG Railway, LLC (CGR) joint venture, pending regulatory approvals. The partnership aims to combine GMXT's extensive network and expertise in Mexican rail transportation with G&W's track record in delivering safe and customer-centric rail services.