The branch connecting the Buenavista station of the Suburban Train with the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) was inaugurated this Sunday, April 26. It is one of the most relevant railway infrastructure expansions in recent years in the metropolitan area of the Valley of Mexico. The project is part of the Mexican Government’s strategy to reactivate the country’s passenger and cargo railway network.
Read more The defenses exhaust the court with their alternative explanations: “I’m going to be more radical”
During the inauguration, President Claudia Sheinbaum said that the lack of infrastructure to reach AIFA was a problem that discouraged the use of the airport. Users had to pay high sums for ride-hailing taxis to get to the airport, and travel up to two and a half hours.
Now, the total journey from Buenavista to AIFA could take around 43 minutes, according to the authorities’ announcement. The train frequency is 30 minutes, with the following operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: from 5.00 to 0.00 hours
- Saturdays: from 6.00 to 0.00 hours
- Sundays and holidays: from 7.00 to 0.00 hours
Stations between Buenavista and AIFA
The complete route starts from Buenavista and includes the stations of Fortuna, Tlalnepantla, San Rafael, and Lechería, from where the new branch begins. From there, the train continues through Cueyamil, La Loma, Teyahualco, Prado Sur, Cajiga, Xaltocán, and finally, the terminal station within AIFA.
The train arrives directly at the airport facilities. Thus, passengers will descend at the underground station, go up some stairs, and be ready to check their luggage and access the terminals. It is estimated that the transport system will mobilize 82,000 passengers per day.
Fares and accepted cards
During the first month since the inauguration, the complete journey from Buenavista station to AIFA will have a promotional fare of 45 pesos. Intermediate sections will cost 11.50 pesos and include any journey that neither arrives at nor departs from AIFA.
Read more Dmitrovic prevents Espanyol’s defeat against a Levante that is left wanting
Fares are expected to be readjusted at the end of May. Authorities have guaranteed that the new prices will remain more accessible than those of traditional transport.
To use the new train, it is necessary to have the Integrated Mobility (MI) card, as the Suburban Train card does not allow access or exit on the new branch.
Benefits and next stages
The Lechería-AIFA branch has double tracks and automatic signaling to ensure speed and safety during the journey. The project integrates six intermediate stations that will benefit municipalities such as Nextlalpan, Tultitlán, and Tultepec, in the State of Mexico.
The governor of the entity, Delfina Gómez, highlighted that the infrastructure will reactivate the regional economy and improve mobility in the north of the state. As a third stage, the extension of the service from AIFA to Pachuca, Hidalgo, is under construction, with six additional stations and a route of 57 kilometers.
Subscribe to the EL PAÍS México newsletter and the WhatsApp channel and receive all the key information about the current events in this country.
