Post by gondola-project

With a population of 21.2 million people, Mexico City is the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world and one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. Similar to many megalopolis’, the city faces incredible challenges when it comes to congestion. In fact, the Mexican Capital has been ranked as the world’s most congested city where residents spend an average of 2.5 hours each day commuting!

To improve transportation options for its residents, a 4.9 kilometre Cable Propelled Transit (CPT) system was built in 2016 in the disadvantaged hillside community of Ecatepec de Morelos. The 7-station line, completed by LEITNER Ropeways, transports passengers from the isolated region of Sán Andres de la Cañada (located at the Sierra de Guadalupe mountain) to Via Morelos where commuters can connect to the Mexibús system.

The Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) system was financed through a combination of public and private sector funds with the federal and state government covering 40% of implementation costs. Thanks to the cable car, travel times have been reduced from 1-2 hours to just 17 minutes.

While Mexico’s first urban cable car has shaved countless hours off commute times, relieving transport congestion is not the only noticeable benefit of the system. Numerous socio-economic benefits such as increased tourism, a greater sense of inclusion, and enhanced passenger safety have all been reported by residents.

As one of the most dangerous municipalities in Mexico City, Ecatepec residents were often a victim of crime while taking public transit in the past. However, since the opening of the cable car, residents have reported being robbed less while feeling much safer onboard a secure gondola that is being constantly monitored by CCTV.

In addition, the cable car is electrically powered which significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. This advantage is particularly important in a city that is consumed by extreme levels of smog.

Lastly, the cable car has brought important progress to Ecatapec, one of the poorest regions in the city. Street lamps have been built, roads have been paved, and public spaces have been revamped. Over 50 street-art murals were painted along the cable car route, helping create a more scenic and memorable ride. Since opening, Mexicable has been a remarkable success and continues to attract approximately 20,000 riders per day.

System Statistics

Image credits: CC BY 2.0, by Presidencia de la República Mexicana