Cities in motion, public transit as a catalyst for binational development

In 2025, the development of public transportation infrastructure has emerged as one of the most critical strategies to ensure competitiveness, sustainability, and social cohesion in major metropolitan areas across Mexico and the United States. With rapid urbanization in both countries—over 81% of Americans and 79% of Mexicans live in urban zones—the need for more efficient, integrated, and eco-friendly public transit systems has become a binational priority. As cities face growing pressures from population growth, traffic congestion, and pollution, public investment in transportation is proving to be a key tool not only for addressing environmental concerns but also for advancing economic and social progress.

During 2024, both Mexico and the U.S. recorded significant strides in urban mobility. In Mexico, the federal budget allocated more than 16.5 billion pesos to strengthening urban transportation, with major projects underway in Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City. This represented a 14.7% increase over the previous year, according to the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO). In Guadalajara, for example, Line 4 of the Urban Electric Train, spanning over 21 kilometers and backed by an investment exceeding 9 billion pesos, reached 87% completion and is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2025. Meanwhile, Monterrey expanded its Metrorrey system by 10%, incorporating new stations and hybrid vehicles.

In the United States, the Department of Transportation (USDOT) allocated over $20 billion in federal funds to urban transit systems through the Reconnecting Communities program, focusing on equity and revitalization of underserved areas. Cities such as Phoenix, Houston, and Los Angeles prioritized electric buses and light rail expansions. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), public transit usage in metropolitan areas grew by 9.8% in 2024, driven by fare subsidies and technological improvements in payment systems, geolocation, and predictive maintenance.

Technological innovation has played a pivotal role. The integration of artificial intelligence and big data in public transit operations has brought notable efficiencies. Intermodal management platforms and predictive algorithms have optimized routes, reduced wait times, and enabled real-time passenger flow monitoring. In Monterrey and Mexico City, smart traffic light systems are already operational, enhancing vehicle flow and cutting CO₂ emissions. In Chicago and San Diego, authorities have implemented sensors and urban data networks to align public transit with climate goals, including fully electric buses that reduce emissions by up to 70% on urban routes.

Despite these advances, the progress made in 2024 also highlights the main challenges for 2025. First, financing remains a structural barrier. Although investment levels have increased, the gap between transit service availability and actual demand persists—particularly in peri-urban zones and low-income communities. Moreover, regional integration of public transit across twin-city borders—such as Tijuana-San Diego, El Paso-Ciudad Juárez, or McAllen-Reynosa—continues to face obstacles in terms of governance, regulatory harmonization, and budget coordination.

Another critical challenge is citizen engagement. The lack of effective public consultation mechanisms in designing and expanding transit networks limits adoption and sustainability. In many cities, private vehicle use remains high due to perceptions of insecurity, limited coverage, or low service frequency in public transit. Rebuilding user trust requires investment in quality, universal accessibility, and digital transformation.

Lastly, aligning public transit with the global decarbonization agenda is essential. While progress has been made in electrifying fleets, the goal of achieving carbon-neutral urban transit systems by 2030 still seems distant without stronger regulatory frameworks, fiscal incentives for private operators, and coherent energy policies across levels of government.

In conclusion, public transit is far more than an urban service—it is a foundation for social equity, regional economic development, and environmental sustainability. Mexico and the United States, as tightly connected neighbors through metropolitan corridors, must envision urban mobility as a tool for integration and resilience. The challenge for 2025 will be to accelerate the transition toward public transit systems that are not only faster and safer, but also more human-centered, intelligent, and sustainable.

Written by: Editorial

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