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Mexico City’s new trolleybus slashes travel times despite ongoing station construction

A 13-peso ride now beats two-hour commutes in Mexico’s capital. Yet unfinished stations and highway work keep testing travelers’ patience.

In this image in the middle there is a train. At the bottom there is platform and text. On the left...
In this image in the middle there is a train. At the bottom there is platform and text. On the left there is a building, roof, pillar and platform. At the top there are buildings, roof, cables and sky.

Mexico City’s new trolleybus slashes travel times despite ongoing station construction

Construction along the Mexico–Puebla Highway in Iztapalapa is causing traffic disruptions, while the Mexico City Trolleybus Line 11, launched in May, has significantly improved travel times in the southeastern region of Mexico.

The Santa Marta–Chalco route, now operating with 120 electric trolleybuses, has reduced air pollution, noise, and congestion in the eastern metro area of Mexico City. A full trip costs 13 pesos, with free rides for children under five, seniors, and people with disabilities. The journey that once took up to two hours now takes just 30-35 minutes on express service and under 45 minutes on regular runs.

The line began partial operations in May, connecting multiple municipalities and boroughs of Mexico City. However, three stations in Chalco were temporarily closed for flood-prevention hydraulic works but have since reopened. The remaining three stations are still under construction and not yet accessible to passengers. Three other stations along the line are 40% complete and expected to open in early 2026.

While the new trolleybus system has brought significant improvements, some stations remain under construction in Mexico City. The opening of the remaining stations in early 2026 is eagerly awaited. Meanwhile, construction work along the Mexico–Puebla Highway continues to cause traffic disruptions in Mexico.

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