MEXICO’s secretary of infrastructure, communications and transport, Jesús Esteva Medina, and Mexico City’s mayor, Clara Brugada, inaugurated the upgraded 12.8km light rail line linking the southern terminus of metro Line 2 at Tasqueña with Xochimilco on May 11.
The line has been rebranded El Ajolote after the axolotl amphibian, one of Mexico City’s best-known cultural and environmental symbols, and serves the Azteca Stadium area, which will host World Cup matches including the opening game.
The Pesos 2.39bn ($US 138m) project included the acquisition of 17 four-car high-floor LRVs from CRRC at a reported cost of Pesos 1.4bn.
Infrastructure works accounted for a further Pesos 1bn, comprising Pesos 800m for a new train control and signalling system and Pesos 200m for station reconstruction and accessibility upgrades. Comsa, Spain, undertook reconstruction of the Tasqueña terminal, catenary upgrades, new platforms and refurbishment of the line’s 18 stations.
The project has increased capacity from 130,000 to 250,000 passengers a day while reducing waiting times on one of Mexico City’s busiest commuter corridors.
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