Mexico City, August 19 – The Ecobici shared bicycle system is set to significantly expand its reach, incorporating Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, and Tlalpan into its network. These three boroughs will join the six existing demarcations where Ecobici currently operates in Mexico City. The expansion is a key component of the 2025-2030 Cycling Plan, spearheaded by the administration of Clara Brugada, which aims to construct 300 kilometers of exclusive bike lanes across the capital and solidify cycling as an efficient and safe transportation alternative.
Concession Awarded to 5M2 Until 2036
The Ministry of Mobility (Semovi) announced on Tuesday that 5M2 S.A. de C.V., the current operator of Ecobici and an outdoor advertising firm, will retain the concession for the service until July 31, 2036. The company, led by businessman Edgar Farah, secured the public tender to operate, maintain, and expand the network.
Currently, Ecobici operates in Álvaro Obregón, Azcapotzalco, Benito Juárez, Coyoacán, Cuauhtémoc, and Miguel Hidalgo. With the integration of Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, and Tlalpan, the system will extend to nine boroughs. However, the capital’s government has not yet disclosed the deployment schedule or the precise locations of the new stations.
Semovi confirmed that 5M2 met all technical, administrative, and economic requirements outlined in the tender. The approved project envisions a network comprising 15,000 bicycles and 1,111 cycle stations, a substantial increase from the current system’s 9,300 bicycles and 687 stations. The concession also permits 5M2 to utilize outdoor advertising spaces linked to Ecobici’s infrastructure, provided it adheres to Mexico City’s Outdoor Advertising Law. Revenue generated from these spaces is earmarked to contribute to the service’s maintenance and operation.
From 85 Stations to a Metropolitan Network
Ecobici commenced operations on February 16, 2010, during the administration of Marcelo Ebrard, with an initial setup of 85 stations and 1,114 bicycles in Miguel Hidalgo. The project’s original goal was to promote cycling as an alternative to motorized transport, with an initial target of replacing 5% of trips made by public transport.
Over its 16 years of operation, the system has progressively expanded and established itself as one of Latin America’s leading public bicycle networks. Its most recent overhaul, initiated in 2022, introduced bicycles with baskets, new stations, and a dedicated application for registration, membership subscriptions, and unlocking units.
Ecobici offers access plans ranging from 134 to 984 pesos, depending on the membership’s validity. Users can utilize the bicycles for short trips and return them to any available cycle station within the coverage area.
The expansion of Ecobici to the eastern and southern parts of the capital aims to extend cycling mobility beyond central zones. This initiative also seeks to alleviate Mexico City’s growing urban transportation challenges, characterized by significant vehicular congestion and increasingly prolonged travel times.
Impact on Urban Mobility and Future Plans
This strategic expansion underscores Mexico City’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility and its efforts to mitigate environmental impact and traffic congestion. By making cycling more accessible across a wider area, the city hopes to encourage more residents to adopt bicycles for their daily commutes, thereby reducing reliance on private vehicles and traditional public transport.
The integration of new boroughs is expected to enhance connectivity and provide a healthier, more environmentally friendly alternative for thousands of citizens. The 2025-2030 Cycling Plan, with its ambitious goal of 300 kilometers of new bike lanes, suggests a long-term vision for transforming Mexico City into a more bicycle-friendly metropolis.
While the exact deployment timeline and station locations are yet to be announced, the commitment to such a significant expansion signals a positive step towards improving the quality of life for residents and addressing the city’s complex urban challenges through innovative mobility solutions.
Source: elpais.com
