Ixtapaluca Trolleybus breaks ground to transform Mexico Valley transit

Construction has started on the Ixtapaluca Trolleybus, a major expansion of the Santa Marta–Chalco electric transit line. The project, costing 1.721 billion pesos (around $100 million USD), aims to improve transport in southeastern Mexico Valley by linking key areas like Ixtapaluca, Valle de Chalco, and Los Reyes La Paz. The 10-kilometre route will run in both directions, featuring 12 new stations. Officials expect an initial daily ridership of 53,000 passengers, with numbers possibly climbing to 62,000 in the future. The goal is to shorten travel times, reduce robberies, and enhance passenger safety across the region.

The project is led by the Integrated Public Train and Transport Agency (Attrapi) under the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT). Juan Hugo de la Rosa García, the State of Mexico’s mobility secretary, outlined the plans, confirming a completion target of July 17, 2027. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) is also involved to ensure cultural heritage protection during construction. This extension builds on the existing high-capacity trolleybus line, connecting Santa Marta to Chalco before branching out to serve additional municipalities.

Once finished, the Ixtapaluca Trolleybus will provide faster, safer travel for thousands of daily commuters. The 1.721-billion-peso investment reflects a push to modernise public transport while addressing security concerns in the growing Mexico Valley region.