On Saturday, September 5th, 2024, Santa Fe, Mexico, witnessed a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Lerma-Santa Fe segment of the Mexico City-Toluca commuter train. This event marked a decade since construction began on the ambitious project, which aims to enhance connectivity between the two major cities.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum graced the occasion, signifying the importance of this transportation initiative. The Lerma-Santa Fe segment, the longest stretch of the route to date, spans 20 kilometers and brings the total completed length to 49 kilometers out of the planned 57.7 kilometers.
The inaugural journey commenced at 4:40 p.m., with López Obrador, Sheinbaum, and State Governor Delfina Gómez embarking on the inaugural trip from Zinacantepec to Santa Fe. The 50-minute journey proved significantly faster than the usual 1.5-hour drive by car, highlighting the potential of the train for efficient commuting. This segment is designed to allow for a swift 20-minute trip at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour.
Despite its official opening, a video circulating on social media revealed some unfinished work at the Santa Fe station. However, López Obrador reassured the public that Section 3, which will connect Santa Fe to Observatorio, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 under Sheinbaum’s administration.
With the Santa Fe station now operational, only two more stations are left to be completed. Upon full completion, the “El Insurgente” train will connect Toluca with western Mexico City, aiming to serve a significant 230,000 passengers daily. This innovative transportation project holds the promise of transforming commuting experiences for residents of both cities, fostering economic growth, and enhancing overall connectivity within the region.
