Mexico state set to complete BRT extension to new airport

Mexico state’s mass transit and cable car systems authority Sitramytem is currently working to expand two bus rapid transit (BRT) lines to connect the Felipe Ángeles international airport (AIFA), which is set to be opened on March 21. 

At least one of these projects will be completed in time for the inauguration of the new passenger terminal, while the extension of the second line will remain on standby until new developments, according to a statement issued by Sitramytem.

“Work is underway on two Mexibús expansion projects to improve connectivity with the Felipe Ángeles International Airport and which together will transport around 285,000 people including workers, passengers and visitors,” the statement reads. 

The first project involves the expansion of Mexico state’s BRT system Mexibús line No. 1, which is more than 80% complete and “is about to be concluded,” according to Sitramytem. 

The second entails expanding the system’s fourth and newest line, which will have eight new stations on an unspecified additional route of no more than 20km. 

Although the individual investments for the two projects have not been clearly outlined, state finance minister Rodrigo Jarque Lira told daily El Economista in November that the government was considering acquiring 9.5bn pesos (US$465mn) in debt for three mobility projects, two of which would connect to the new airport at the Santa Lucía military airbase, north of Mexico City. 

The 325bn-peso budget was approved at the end of January with the possibility of assuming 5bn pesos in debt. 

The projects were originally presented by state governor Alfredo del Mazo in September 2020 along with other mobility plans to connect the terminal to mass transportation systems. 

LINE NO. 1 EXPANSION

The first line is currently 16.8km long, with 14.2km in Ecatepec municipality and 2.6km in Tecámac, with a total of 24 stations from Ciudad Azteca to Ojo de Agua. 

The idea is to extend the line by 20km north over the Mexico-Pachuca highway to the airport with eight new stations, four to be installed in Tecámac and the other four in the area of the airport. 

“These stations are expected to serve approximately 20,000 users every day through 12 articulated buses that are almost 100% finished,” Sitramytem said. 

LINE NO. 4 EXPANSION

The line is currently 23km long and has 29 stations, connecting the Gustavo A. Madero district of Mexico City with Tecámac municipality. 

The plan is to expand the line further northeast to the airport with another eight stations to be added. 

This project, however, has not been updated for several months and it is known that it will not be ready in time to start operations by the time the airport is opened. 

The main issue for the delay is related to the federal infrastructure, communications and transport ministry (SICT), which has not yet completed the Tonanitla highway on which the BRT line will be constructed, Sitramytem director Elim Luviano Heredia told local news site 24 Horas in August.