| Keyword |
Description |
| Backbone |
Main support, most important part, or line of bones. |
| Infraestructure |
The physical parts of a system or city, like buildings, roads, or train lines |
| Mobility |
The ability to move or travel easily from one place to another |
Mexico City’s Metro Line 1, its oldest subway line, has just reopened after a massive renovation that took several years and a big investment. The project was seen as the most important urban upgrade in the country, aiming to make the line last for another 50 years. The mayor celebrated the completion, saying that replacing and upgrading every part of the line will move to the city much easier and faster for locals and visitors. One of the most impressive changes was the total overhaul of Observatorio station, which will also connect with new trains and bus services, turning it into a major transportation center.
The renovation started in July 2022 and cost about 37 billion pesos (around US $2 billion). Line 1 is nearly 19 kilometers long and runs from east to west across the capital, connecting 20 stations in total. With its reopening, it now makes a 40-minute trip from Pantitlán to Observatorio possible, helping about 850,000 people travel daily. This line is considered the backbone of the city's public transport since it connects with 9 of the other 11 metro lines.
Many technical improvements were made to make the entire infrastructure safer and more modern. Engineers replaced 200,000 tonnes of gravel, 60,000 concrete sleepers, and 64 track switches. They also renewed the electrical system with 2,000 kilometers of cabling and installed more than 200 kilometers of fiber optics for better communications and LTE mobile coverage in the subway. All these changes mean a safer, more reliable, and more comfortable experience for passengers.
The renovation was managed by a Chinese construction company, and representatives from both countries highlighted the teamwork involved. Mexico’s government thanked everyone who made the project possible, believing the improvements would benefit millions of residents and tourists. With this new modernized line, Mexico City aims to improve regional mobility and continue setting examples for future urban projects.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Subway line |
Línea de metro |
| To install |
Instalar |
| Construction company |
Compañía constructora |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think it is important to renovate old public transportation systems?
- How can a better metro line help a city’s residents?
- What problems might workers face when updating a subway line?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- What changes do you think are most important when modernizing a city’s transportation system? Explain your answer with examples.
- If you were in charge of the metro renovation, what new features would you add and why?
