MEXICO'S RAPID EXPANSION PROGRAMME

Mexico City, now with over 11 million people, opened its first rubber-tired subway in 1969 and by 1982 there were 5 rapid transit lines totaling 78 km and carrying over 1 billion passengers annually. Major extensions are now being constructed so that the present 19 percent of urban travel on Metro is expected to grow to 30 percent by 1988 and 40 percent by 2000. Maintenance to assure reliable service has high priority; the 215 trains are carefully scheduled for inspection and overhaul because the rolling stock is consistently overloaded. A general Transport Coordination Agreement in 1984 integrates rapid transit, buses, trolley buses and streetcars. Passengers regularly express positive attitudes about the rapid transit system and further improvements are planned.