SEMOVI to Renovate Public Transportation Units

The Ministry of Mobility of Mexico City (SEMOVI) presented a program for the renovation of public transportation units for 2021. The plan is to replace 2,200 units in specific areas of the city through a MX$890 million (US$43.4 million) investment. “The goal is (to replace) 2,200 units; part of the replacements will be done in Iztapalapa,” explained the Head of the Ministry, Andrés Lajous, to El Universal.

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that one of the main goals of the project is to improve mobility. She explained that 70 percent of the population of Mexico City uses public transport, so the city government cannot leave this service behind, reports RadioFormula. Sheinbaum celebrated the renovation’s progress on social media. “Today, we announce advances in the renovation of microbuses in Mexico City. We have scrapped 810 units and replaced them with 316 new units that are less polluting, safer and more accessible for all citizens to benefit over 200,000 users,” said Sheinbaum on Twitter. Users of the following 11 delegations will benefit from the new units: Miguel Hidalgo, Benito Juarez, Alvaro Obregon, Cuauhtemoc, Gustavo A. Madero, Venustiano Carranza, Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, Coyoacan, Tlalpan and Xochimilco, explained Lajous to El Universal.

SEMOVI, in its announcement of the “Renovation of Licensed Public Transportation Units,” explained that it is prioritizing areas in the periphery of Mexico City, where large numbers of microbuses are still being used. According to SEMOVI, there are around 6,000 microbuses operating in Mexico City and 14 routes represent 95 percent of the vehicle fleet. “There are still 6,000 units of these gray microbuses working in the city. This is a model that was designed since Andrés Manuel López Obrador was the Mexico City Mayor (2000-2005),” explained Sheinbaum, according to RadioFormula.

So far, SEMOVI’s 316 new units better fulfill the transportation needs of Mexico City, reads the announcement. According to the ministry, in terms of emissions, these new units follow Euro V standards. The vehicles are quieter, have ABS brakes, LED lighting, emergency exits, handrails, slip-resistant floors and safety belts for drivers. They also provide better accessibility for people with disabilities. SEMOVI also explained that by June 2021, it expects to introduce 108 more units.

Will the Bus Fare Increase?

“We would not think of increasing fares if services are not improved. What we have to do as a government, along with transportation providers, is to create a better system; then we can talk about the fare,” explained Sheinbaum, according to El Universal.