Green wheels in motion. The future of public transit is already crossing the border

As we enter 2025, urban mobility along the Mexico–U.S. border is at a turning point. Climate change, global energy pressures, and growing population demands in border cities have transformed public transit into an issue of climate security, economic development, and social cohesion. From Tijuana to El Paso and from Mexicali to Brownsville, local and state governments are embracing sustainable mobility solutions—like electric buses, intermunicipal bike lanes, and shared bicycle systems—that not only relieve urban congestion but also cut emissions, stimulate local economies, and strengthen binational cooperation.

Throughout 2024, progress in sustainable mobility across the border region has been significant. The California government, in partnership with cities such as San Diego and Chula Vista, allocated more than $320 million to expand its fleet of electric buses and build rapid-charging stations. This investment led to a 28% increase in zero-emission vehicles in circulation. On the Mexican side, cities like Tijuana and Mexicali—supported by the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)—launched electric bus pilot programs and improved solar-powered bus stop infrastructure, resulting in a 19% reduction in commute times and a 14% drop in the carbon footprint of public transit during the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, active mobility models are gaining traction. The Pedalea Juárez bike-sharing system in Ciudad Juárez, supported by the state government and the international ICLEI network, ended 2024 with over 70,000 active users—an increase of 43% compared to 2023. In El Paso, its counterpart SunCycle doubled its docking stations, integrated solar panel systems, and QR-enabled cross-border usage, setting a precedent for binational tech integration. Collaborative research between the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and the Instituto Tecnológico de Ciudad Juárez (ITCJ) has also produced mobility studies that propose electric transit routes connecting industrial zones on both sides of the border.

At the federal level, initiatives such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the U.S. and Mexico’s National Strategy for Mobility and Road Safety have accelerated funding for sustainable projects. In 2024, 36% of urban mobility funding in both countries was allocated to clean technologies, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Mexico’s Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT). Although progress remains uneven, cities like Nogales, Laredo, and Reynosa have begun technical assessments and citizen consultations to reimagine their transit systems.

The economic boost is also evident. The transition to electric fleets is generating a value chain centered on electromobility. Battery and light vehicle manufacturers like BYD, VEMO, and Proterra have shown interest in establishing production and assembly hubs in municipalities near the border. This trend not only creates jobs but also strengthens the tech ecosystem in cities such as Monterrey, Hermosillo, Tucson, and McAllen.

However, several key challenges must be addressed to unlock the full potential of this transformation in 2025. First, regulatory discrepancies among border municipalities hinder the interoperability of transit systems and fare technologies. In many cases, there is no clear legal framework for electric vehicle circulation across international borders, complicating binational clean route models. Second, electric charging infrastructure remains insufficient in much of northern Mexico—especially outside state capitals—limiting project scalability.

Additionally, subsidies for diesel and legacy private bus concessions still in place in many Mexican cities disincentivize fleet modernization. On the social side, a digital and financial access gap persists, excluding low-income communities from using shared mobility platforms, which often require smartphones and bank accounts.

In conclusion, sustainable mobility along the Mexico–U.S. border is no longer a futuristic aspiration—it’s a developing reality. The achievements of 2024 prove that collaboration among local governments, the private sector, and academic institutions can fast-track a green transition that directly improves urban quality of life. However, to consolidate this momentum in 2025, binational mechanisms for financing, regulatory alignment, and social inclusion will be essential to ensure this green revolution reaches beyond major urban centers and becomes a tool for environmental justice on both sides of the border.

Written by: Editorial

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