The most important thing a major city region can do for it’s citizens is create a well connected transit system. Within Mexico, the most evident effort of connected transit systems: are the systems of the Mexico City Metro,   and the Tren Ligero. The two systems do not operate as one single entity, they do participate under one common goal of serving the greater metropolitan area of  Mexico City.

Typical Mexico City Metro Station walk way

Un Viaje

Mexico City Metro ticket allows one entry into the system for 2 pesos about 20 cents.

Mass Transit at the Border Region

Mass transit momentum has been around quite a while on the United States side of the border, with the Blue Line Trolley allowing someone to take mass transit to the border at San Ysidro Station.  While on the Mexican side of the border, citizens mostly rely on taxi’s, taxis vans, and bus service. Although the Tijuana options are affordable, they are the automobile version with limitations due in part because they move with the rest of traffic on already crowded streets and highways.

But that may all be about to change…

Our fellow Tijuana blogger: The Real Tijuana Blog, has exciting news about the future a mass transit on the Mexican side of the border. It seems the system will bring Tijuana in line with the transit efforts found on the United States side of the border.

One interesting quote I’ve read while researching the Mexico City Metro website is:

It reads: “Los programas sociales promovidos en nuestra página, cumplen con el artículo 38 de la Ley de Desarrollo Social del Distrito Federal que a la letra dice: “Este programa es de carácter público, no es patrocinado por partido político alguno y sus recursos provienen de los impuestos que pagan todos los contribuyentes. Está prohibido el uso de este programa con fines políticos, electorales, de lucro y otros distintos a los establecidos. Quien haga uso indebido de los recursos de este programa en el Distrito Federal, será sancionado de acuerdo con la ley aplicable y ante la autoridad competente”

My English translation:

“The social programs found on our website, adhere to Article 38 of the Law of Development of Social Programs for the Federal District (Mexico City) which states: This program carries a public character, it is not sponsored by any politico party, its subsidies comes from the taxes of all. It is prohibited to use this program for political or electoral gain. Anyone found in unlawful use of this program or its resources within the Federal District (Mexico City), shall be sanction and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”.

My only observation
I can’t wait for this rail line to open. The simple fact that the region is at the cusp of breaking into and creating a true mass transit system on both sides of the border speaks volumes to efforts on both sides of the border. May the system be as it is intended to be with the possibility of serving the greatest number of patrons.

Hopefully, the two sides can achieve similar outcomes as what is found in Mexico City. Create a mass transit system that takes into account, and is true to the uniqueness of the Border region. “De todos – para todos”.