Only 47 percent of Mexico City’s population, that is 4.1 million out of 8.7 million people, live within walking distance of mass transit systems such as the metro, metrobus, trolleybus, and tram.

“There are numerous neighborhoods with limited access to structured public transportation, and many passengers have to transfer very frequently,” described Andrés Lajous Loaeza, Secretary of Mobility of Mexico City, during his presentation at the OITAF World Cableway Congress 2024 in Vancouver, Canada.

“The Cablebús cable car network was therefore planned to specifically serve those neighborhoods that were previously poorly connected in terms of transportation, yet are densely populated,” reported Sergio Astorga, a researcher at a university in Mexico City, during his presentation at the Cable Car World trade fair in Essen, Germany.

According to him, reducing air pollution and traffic congestion were also key objectives.

Cable Car Transports Millions

The Cablebús network, which transports 10 million passengers daily, demonstrates, according to both speakers, how cable cars can improve people’s living conditions.

Line 1 runs from Indios Verdes to Cuatepec, where the route splits at an intermediate station, and a second branch extends to Tlalpexco. Passengers travel the 9.2-kilometer route in 33 minutes—a journey that previously took around an hour and 15 minutes.

It is hardly surprising that Cable Car Line 1 records approximately 63,000 trips daily. Line 2 starts at Constitución de 1917 and leads to Santa María.

Here too, before the cable car was built, people required one hour and 15 minutes to travel the 10.5-kilometer route. Now, passengers reach their destination in 36 minutes, with the cable car logging 78,000 trips daily.

“Both systems constitute the longest cable car lines in the world, with over 141,000 trips daily and more than 85 million trips since their inauguration,” reports Lajous Loaeza.

The third cable car line is currently under construction, connecting Los Pinos to Vasco de Quiroga. It will link the western part of the city (Álvaro Obregón) with the Bosque de Chapultepec district and the Reforma area. The 5.6-kilometer cable car is expected to carry around 36,000 trips per day.

Operating Details

The Cablebús cable car network’s popularity is also due to its operating details. Ticket prices are moderate at 7 pesos (around 40 US cents), and seniors over 60, children under five, and people with disabilities ride for free.

Operating hours are equally appealing: Monday to Friday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Additionally, bicycles are allowed onboard, provided capacity permits. Wi-Fi adds an extra attraction.

Public Acceptance

Passenger satisfaction is correspondingly high, according to a customer survey from 2023. “97 percent of passengers confirm the good condition, cleanliness, and functionality of the cabins,” says Astorga.

In detail, 97 percent rate the seats as comfortable, 96 percent consider the cabins safe, and 93 percent find the staff respectful.

Furthermore, 92 percent consider the frequency of maintenance breaks in cable car operations appropriate, and 91 percent appreciate the staff assistance in correctly using the cable car system.

Slightly lower but still very positive ratings were given for time savings compared to other modes of transport (88 percent) and the number of stations (82 percent).

Less Inequality

“The cable cars are integrated into the public transport network and the city, prioritizing the population groups that need this mode of transport the most,” emphasizes Lajous Loaeza.

The three cable car lines connect densely populated neighborhoods that were previously marginalized by the public transport network.

Thanks to the cable cars, people now have more time; they reach their workplaces faster, more reliably, and more safely. “Cablebús serves those who have the least. The cable car network combats social inequality and improves access to opportunities,” Lajous Loaeza is convinced.

More Jobs and Businesses

In addition, the construction and operation of the cable cars have spurred economic growth. A total of 2,675 new businesses have been established in the vicinity of the cable cars, corresponding to 13,750 direct and indirect jobs.

“Most of the cable car staff are also locals, ranging from engineers, machinists, and operations managers to station personnel, maintenance teams, as well as administrative, security, and cleaning staff,” says Astorga.

Increased Safety

The cable cars also contribute to greater safety through measures such as improved lighting (2,648 lamps), surveillance cameras, and pedestrian walkways. Along the cable car line, 19.77 kilometers of safe pedestrian streets have been created.

Enhanced Environmental Protection

“The cable car operation is quiet and emissions-free, saving over 3,600 tons of CO2 within a year,” adds Astorga.

Additionally, the areas surrounding the cable cars have seen natural regeneration: 21,388 square meters of green spaces, 961 trees, and 183,524 plants and shrubs have been planted.

Urban Integration

The cable cars have also spurred urban development. Beneath the cables, new sports facilities covering 1,512 square meters have been built. Buildings along the routes have been enhanced with murals, mosaics, and colorful painting.

In total, the authorities have painted 895,000 square meters of walls on 7,400 houses and removed 125,000 square meters of graffiti.