CAPUFE to Implement Mandatory Toll TAGs by 2026

The mandatory use of electronic TAGs at federal toll booths will officially begin in 2026, according to Federal Roads and Bridges (CAPUFE), which has denied rumors of an immediate rollout or an August 2025 implementation.

This measure is part of a national modernization plan aimed at streamlining traffic flow, reducing cash handling, and improving road safety. CAPUFE argues that electronic payments offer significant advantages over traditional cash transactions, including cutting crossing times to 1 second per crossing versus the 30 seconds it takes to pay in cash. Beyond convenience, reducing cash transactions lowers the risk of theft or loss, while also preventing the long queues that are common during peak travel seasons.

Luis Zaldívar, President, National Chamber of Passenger and Tourism Transportation (CANAPAT), tells Expansión that moving toward a cashless toll system will boost operational efficiency and ease congestion. “We are asking for more exclusive lanes for electronic tolling, and operators along with electronic tolling providers are already coordinating closely with authorities. Faster crossings would greatly benefit us, and that is exactly what we are discussing with the government,” says Zaldívar.

The Valley of Mexico remains a critical area, where toll crossings can take one to one and a half hours during peak times. These delays not only impact the passenger experience but also increase operational costs for CANAPAT members, which include over 600 companies operating 50,000 transport units. “Every minute a bus is idle takes away from passenger experience, operational efficiency, and the competitiveness of our companies,” says Zaldívar.

In line with this modernization effort, CANAPAT and the tolling and mobility company PASE have launched a strategic alliance to accelerate the digital transformation of Mexico’s passenger transport sector.

The partnership gives over 650 CANAPAT members access to Tag PASE and advanced fleet management tools to optimize operations, improve route traceability, enhance safety, and enable real-time monitoring on toll roads.

According to Alexis Reséndiz, CEO, PASE, the agreement reflects a shared vision of connected, secure, and efficient mobility, while Zaldívar highlighted that it marks a turning point for the sector toward a more modern, safe, and sustainable model.

Key benefits for CANAPAT members include preferential access to technology, faster fleet operations, exclusive commercial conditions, 24/7 support, and streamlined contracting processes. The initiative also aligns with federal modernization efforts, integrating video surveillance, real-time tracking, and rapid incident response protocols for enhanced road safety.

Authorities and CAPUFE are working with private concessionaires to add more electronic toll lanes and set up TAG top-up points along highways to encourage adoption and prevent disruptions.

According to the Mexican Institute of Transportation, Mexico has 10,923 km of toll roads, with CAPUFE operating 3,700km, including 18 national and 12 international toll bridges, making it the largest toll road operator in the country.

CAPUFE will initially maintain a few cash lanes, but they will gradually disappear. Frequent highway users are advised to acquire a TAG before 2026 to avoid delays or complications during travel.