How to navigate Mexico City like a real local

Mexico city is one of the largest cities in the world with a total population of 22.2 million people. The city’s transportation system is a vital backbone to how many locals live their daily lives. Being a very polluted city, residents that are fortunate enough to have a car are suspended one day of the week from driving in order to maintain air quality. Many civilians of Mexico city do not earn a large salary and heavily depend on the economic cost and convenience of public transportation. Counting only the metro and metrobus alone, out of dozen of commuting options, there are around 5.85 million daily Metro and Metrobus users. Anyone who wants to consider themselves a real "Chilang@", needs to learn the in's and out's of this city's extensive and complex transportation system. 

The first line of the Metro or “línea una”, was inaugurated on the 19th of June 1967. With a total of 20 stops, it spans horizontally across the city starting at “Observatorio” in the West to “Pantitlan'' in the East. More lines were gradually added each having its own vibrant color. Inaugurated on the 19th of June 2005 and much like the Metro, the Metrobus has a total assortment of seven lines. The first line runs along the avenue of Insurgentes, which is the longest avenue in the city, reaching 17.9 miles in length. 

The Metro and Metrobus, both have designated wagons for women, these sections are typically barricaded off on the platform. On the Metrobus, the "women only" wagon can be distinguished by its pink seating in contrast to the standard grey seat. Machismo and violence against women still remains a very relevant issue in Mexico to this day. Many harassments and assaults have been performed against women on this platform (myself included.) To try and combat this issue, the government developed wagons specifically for women. Even with the addition of this "safe" space, this solution has not always been effective, as sometimes there are no police to guard the barricade. Some metro trains don't have sectioned cars and one can walk through the entire train, in both cases allowing individuals to just walk in. 

 

On the 3rd of May 2021, an event took place that shook all of Mexico City. At 10:22 pm, the elevated railway of the 12th line collapsed, leaving 27 people dead and 80 injured. It was an event that many found shocking, but further investigation shows that there had already been signs that the structure would eventually collapse. Due to poor maintenance, lack of vital support structures, and an ignorance to civilian concern, over time, the girder became worn out causing it to snap in half. The final two train cars fell from a height of 32 feet and were suspended in a V shape. The 12th line temporarily closed and was recently reopened in January of 2023. 

For anyone that is considering visiting Mexico City on a budget, I highly recommend the city’s public transportation system. It is an experience like no other, and is one of the cheapest fares in the entire world. You can get you practically anywhere. It is a cost effective way to get a tour of the city from a real local’s perspective. Do always remember to research your route in advance, and follow common city etiquette. With these tips in mind, you’ll be golden in no time. And as always, enjoy your stay in Chilangolandia!