Senate Passes Rail Reform, Creates New National Rail Agency

The Mexican Senate approves a new reform prioritizing passenger transport, freight logistics, and a new national rail agency. The initiative aims to boost sustainable mobility, regional development, and public transport safety.

The Senate's joint commissions on Communications and Transportation, Railway Infrastructure, and Legislative Studies approved the reform package with 52 votes in favor. The legislation, originally passed by the Chamber of Deputies on April 29, aims to position the country’s railway system — both passenger and freight — as a strategic priority for national development.

The approved bill modifies several key laws: the Regulatory Law of Railway Services, the Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration, the Law of Roads, Bridges and Federal Motor Transport, the General Communication Routes Law, and the General Law of National Assets. These changes align with recent constitutional amendments to Art. 28 of the Mexican Constitution, which now designates railway transportation as a vital area for the country’s progress.

The reform aims to provide a solid legal framework to promote railway projects, boost economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and support sustainable regional and sectoral development.

A centerpiece of the reform is the creation of the Agency for Trains and Integrated Public Transport (ATTRAPI), a decentralized public body under the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT). This agency will oversee the coordination and regulation of railway projects, ensuring both efficiency and safety in service delivery.

The legislation also aims to transform national mobility by offering a modern, safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly passenger rail service that connects states, creates jobs, and stimulates regional economies.

Additionally, the reform updates the regulatory framework to reflect the new name of the Ministry, clarifies the distribution of responsibilities across government entities, and strengthens legal enforcement mechanisms. Measures include enhanced operational safety, mandatory insurance to compensate users for damages, and an updated system of penalties. The reform embraces sustainability by promoting rail as a low-carbon alternative to road transport, further aligning national infrastructure goals with global climate commitments, as previously reported by MBN.