MEXICO: Railway regulatory agency ARTF has selected a consortium of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co and its local subsidiary México Railway Transportation Equipment to supply 15 electric multiple-units for the 23 km extension of the Tren Suburbano line from the Felipe Ángeles International Airport to Pachuca, where construction began in March.
The contract award followed a competitive tender which required at least 50% of domestic content, including labour, components and services. The consortium’s bid of 5·85bn pesos including VAT was 41% cheaper than that the only rival offer from CAF México, which was 9·89bn pesos.
CAF subsidiary Ferrocarriles Suburbanos previously held the concession to construct and operate the initial section of the Tren Suburbano route between Mexico City and the airport. However, this was terminated on March 18, when responsibility for the project was handed over to the Ministry of Defense (Sedena).
The rolling stock contract has been split into three elements. The design, manufacturing, delivery, testing and commissioning of the vehicles is priced at 3·92bn, while design and supply of the necessary depot equipment, as well as related staff training, accounts for another 556m pesos. The remaining 560·7m pesos covers the provision of spare parts valued at around 4% of the fleet cost, as well as provision of maintenance services for five years, including staff.
The EMUs are to be designed for a maximum speed of 130 km/h, and will have the capacity to carry more than 700 passengers, including 315 seated. The fully accessible vehicles are to have designated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. The first unit is due to be delivered by September 2026.
The first section of the Tren Suburbano route between Mexico City and the airport is scheduled to open in December, with the extension to Pachuca expected to follow in early 2027.
