A tourist train plays key role for Mexico's indigenous people

The Chihuahua-Pacífico train, better known as El Chepe, is one of the few passenger trains in Mexico, catering mostly to tourists and local indigenous communities such as the Tarahumaras for the last 50 years. Around 150,000 passengers per year use the 653km line connecting the city of Chihuahua with Los Mochis in Sinaloa state​, with major tourist attractions along the way.

The infrastructure of the service, which includes spectacular vistas such as Copper Canyon, includes 86 tunnels and 37 bridges. BNamericas spoke to the service's general manager, Rosalva Delgado, about El Chepe.

BNamericas: What is the current state of El Chepe's infrastructure and why is this service so important?

Delgado: We have given it a lot of maintenance to prevent landslides during the trip. El Chepe lets you see the natural beauty of Mexico, taking you through mountains, some of which start at the sea, and letting you feel significant climate variations.

We're very pleased with the operation of tourist trains in the country. Besides El Chepe and Guadalajara's Tequila Express, both of which belongs to Ferromex, there is the José Cuervo Express, also in Guadalajara. We hope there will be many more trains throughout the country so that people can live this unique experience.

BNamericas: Besides tourists, who else is served by Chepe?

Delgado: We're not only a tourist train, we also provide transportation for communities. We have a subsidized train fare for low-income people and indigenous communities in Sierra Tarahumara who are credentialed by the government. We move about 150,000 people a year, of which 70,000 are indigenous. We provide them with a transportation mode that's easy, secure, and comfortable. The train is beloved in the region for everything it represents.

BNamericas: Do other services run on El Chepe's line?

Delgado: Yes. There is a parcel service and a free shuttle during emergencies. There is a need for more services given the remote nature of the area, and the lack of road infrastructure. There are no roads along half the train's line.

BNamericas: How much is the fare to ride El Chepe?

Delgado: The tourist ticket costs 1,600 pesos (US$96), and the social ticket costs 300 pesos.

BNamericas: Are there plans to expand the railroad?

Delgado: Not right now. We're focused on improving the services we already have, El Chepe and Tequila Express. There are remodeling projects and image enhancement projects. Works will start next year. Following privatization in 1997, the service was revamped. I was a regular passenger before the privatization, and now that I'm on the management side, I can say the service has improved over the years