Mexico City's Light Rail gets axolotl-themed trains and station upgrades by May

Mexico City’s Tasqueña–Xochimilco Light Rail line is undergoing major upgrades, with new trains and station improvements nearing completion. The work aims to ease congestion and speed up journeys, though some passengers currently face longer travel times due to ongoing disruptions. The Electric Transport Service (STE) has invested heavily in modernising the line. Seventeen new light rail trains, decorated with axolotl designs, are now running, costing 1.4 billion pesos in total. These vehicles have undergone static and dynamic testing before entering service, with wait times averaging around 10 minutes.

Seven stations between Estadio Azteca and Xochimilco are being repaired and upgraded. Escalators are also being added along Calzada de Tlalpan to improve accessibility for all passengers. A new Rail Traffic Regulation System, priced at nearly 800 million pesos, is being installed to streamline operations. Despite the improvements, some commuters report delays. Juan Manuel Cruz, who travels daily from Xochimilco to Tasqueña, now spends twice as long on his journey. Overcrowding on RTP buses and heavy traffic have added to the frustration for many passengers. The Tasqueña terminal, a key hub, is set to reopen in the first week of May. Officials confirm that the full renovation of the line should be finished by the end of this week.

The upgrades promise faster, more reliable journeys once complete. With new trains, better accessibility, and an advanced traffic system, the line is expected to handle growing demand more efficiently. Passengers will soon see whether the changes reduce their current travel delays.