Siemens Mobility has successfully completed the installation of its advanced Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology on Line 1 of the Mexico City Metro, a critical upgrade aimed at modernizing operations on the city’s oldest and most heavily utilized route. This strategic deployment is set to significantly enhance service reliability, increase operational capacity, and improve passenger experience on this vital urban transit artery.
| Key Entity | Critical Detail |
|---|---|
| Lead Company | Siemens Mobility |
| Project Location | Line 1, Mexico City Metro |
| Core Action | Installation of Trainguard MT CBTC system; Track renewal; Fibre-optic backbone deployment |
| Project Timeline | Installation completed; Full operations resumption anticipated |
| Capacity Increase | Up to 15% (handling up to 850,000 passengers per day) |
| Train Fleet Integration | 29 new NM-22 series trains (CRRC Zhuzhou) and 10 refurbished NM-16 series trains |
| Service Agreement | 16-year maintenance contract for signalling and train control systems |
The project, initiated to revitalize the historic Line 1 which first opened in 1969 and spans 18.6km between Pantitlán and Observatorio, involved the deployment of Siemens Mobility’s Trainguard MT CBTC system. This sophisticated technology enables moving-block operation, critically reducing the minimum interval between trains to 100 seconds. The impact of this reduction is projected to boost Line 1’s daily passenger capacity by up to 15%, accommodating an estimated 850,000 passengers.
Strategic Impact and Operational Enhancements
Beyond the core signalling upgrade, Siemens Mobility has also implemented a robust fibre-optic backbone to fortify digital communications across the entire route. Coupled with essential track renewal works, these enhancements are designed to deliver tangible benefits to commuters. Sistema de Transporte Colectivo (STC), the operator of the Mexico City Metro, anticipates a significant improvement in service, characterized by shorter dwell times at stations, more consistent service intervals, and a marked increase in overall reliability once full operations are restored.
The newly installed CBTC equipment is seamlessly integrated with both the recently delivered fleet of 29 NM-22 series trains, supplied by main contractor CRRC Zhuzhou, and 10 refurbished NM-16 series trains. Siemens Mobility’s commitment extends through a 16-year service agreement, ensuring the ongoing maintenance and optimal performance of both the signalling and train control systems on Line 1. Serving as the signalling subcontractor throughout the project, Siemens Mobility played a pivotal role in its successful execution.
Liubov Schachtner, CEO of Siemens Mobility Latin America and Brazil, highlighted the transformative nature of the upgrade, stating, “We are enabling faster and more reliable journeys, setting a new benchmark for urban mobility in Latin America.” This development underscores Siemens Mobility’s expanding influence in the region, following a recent contract award by Chile’s national railway operator, EFE Trenes de Chile, for that country’s first European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2) project, covering 87km of railway on the Tren Alameda-Melipilla and Tren Santiago-Batuco lines.
Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide
Industry Context
The successful completion of the Mexico City Metro Line 1 CBTC installation signifies a major step forward in modernizing legacy urban rail infrastructure across Latin America. As cities grapple with increasing urbanization and the demand for efficient, high-capacity public transport, investments in advanced signalling and train control systems are becoming paramount. This project serves as a compelling case study for railway operators worldwide, demonstrating how strategic technological adoption can not only enhance passenger capacity and service reliability but also lay the groundwork for future smart mobility solutions, directly impacting operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
