Mexico City, July 20, 2026 – The Mexico City government has unveiled an ambitious plan for the comprehensive rehabilitation of Metro Line 3, earmarking an investment of 40 billion pesos (approximately US$2.29 billion). This initiative is part of the gradual modernization of the capital’s collective transport system.
Major Investment for a Key Transport Artery
The plan, presented by Head of Government Clara Brugada, includes the acquisition of 45 new trains, a complete overhaul of the track system, and the modernization of all 21 stations along the line. The announcement was made at the Universidad terminal station, which has already completed its renovation as the project kicks off.
Brugada emphasized that this intervention builds upon the successful renovations of Metro Lines 1 and 2. “We are moving step by step, as we always said from the beginning: line by line, train by train, and with historical investments; reversing decades of wear and tear that the Metro has suffered for 50 years,” she stated.
Minimizing Disruption: Night and Weekend Work
The capital’s leader assured that no station would close or interrupt service during 2026. This year will focus solely on preparatory work, such as the construction of workshops and the manufacturing of specialized machinery. The actual renovation work is scheduled to commence in 2027.
According to the official statement, the intervention model “seeks to minimize disruptions, closures, and interruptions, prioritizing night and weekend work.” El Economista reported that the project “will prioritize night and weekend work” and will be executed “in stages and sections, with the shortest possible disruption time,” a stark contrast to the total closure applied to Line 1 for over a year.
No Fare Increase and Significant Budget Allocation
Brugada also ruled out any fare adjustments, confirming that the ticket price will remain at five pesos. The actual cost of the service is 13 pesos, with the difference absorbed by a government subsidy. Regarding the agency’s budget, the official highlighted that “the Metro’s budget for this year alone is 25 billion pesos.”
Five Priority Areas for Renovation
The project outlines five priority areas:
- Acquisition of 45 new trains: These will be “equipped with the most advanced technology.”
- Comprehensive rehabilitation of the track system: This involves the complete replacement of rails and addressing areas with differential subsidence and unevenness.
- Modernization of electrical, electromechanical, and fire suppression systems.
- Transformation of the train control and signaling system: This includes the implementation of the CBTC system, described by STC Metro Director Adrián Ruvalcaba as “the most modern worldwide.”
- Modernization of the 21 stations: Priority will be given to video surveillance, lighting, accessibility, and improvement of spaces.
Line 3 runs from Indios Verdes to Universidad, spans 23 kilometers, has seven transfers with other Metro lines, and 13 connections with the Metrobús network, transporting over one million users daily.
Financing Structure and Congressional Approval
Juan Pablo de Botton, Secretary of Administration and Finance, explained that the financing would be structured through a special purpose vehicle. This mechanism is provided for in the Law for the Promotion of Investment in Strategic Infrastructure for Welfare Development, promoted by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP), and is “designed with the sole technical and financial objective of meeting the project’s goals.”
Cited in El Economista, de Botton explained that the purpose of this scheme is to reduce financing costs. “Any project has financing costs, whether explicit or implicit in the cost of the work. This financial structure will allow reducing that cost by more than half,” by achieving a combination of capital and debt for financing.
De Botton projected that the project could reach the Mexico City Congress by the end of the year: “We are estimating that by December of this year we would be taking the project for approval in Congress, depending on the time it takes for this entire process.” A collaboration agreement was signed between the Ministry of Mobility, the Metro, and the Ministry of Administration and Finance for its development.
The technical guidelines for the tender have already been published in the Official Gazette of Mexico City. This competitive procedure includes invitation, registration, site visits by participants, clarification meetings, proposal submission and evaluation, and the selection of the winning company or award.
Transforming Mobility for Millions
Héctor García, Secretary of Mobility (Semovi), affirmed that the renovation of the Universidad station marks the beginning of a comprehensive transformation of Line 3, contemplated within the Comprehensive Mobility Program and the Master Plan of the Collective Transport System Metro, benefiting “the more than 175 million users who travel this route annually.”
Source: BNamericas, El Economista, Mexico City Government
