Mexico is striving to increase ridership on the Mayan Train, a project struggling to meet its targets despite efforts to attract more tourists. Meanwhile, the use of public transportation in major cities has seen slight declines, but others like Queretaro are experiencing significant growth.
Meanwhile, two major infrastructure projects — Arizona’s new Land Port and California’s Otay Mesa East Port — promise to enhance Mexico-US trade, security, and sustainability. In environmental innovation news, SLB Capturi unveils the world’s first industrial-scale carbon capture plant in Norway, paving the way for net-zero cement production.
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Mexico Aims to Boost Tren Maya Ridership Amid Low Numbers
The Mexican government is working to boost ridership on the Mayan Train, a project originally initiated by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. With only 480,769 passengers so far, far below the 3 million target, the government is promoting travel packages to attract more tourists. However, challenges like incomplete sections and rising costs, now estimated at MX$515 billion, continue to hinder progress.
Mexico’s Major Cities See Slight Drop in Public Transport Use
Public transportation in Mexico’s major cities slightly declined in September 2024, with Guadalajara seeing the biggest drop at 4.2%. Queretaro experienced a 48.7% increase, while the Mexico City Metropolitan Area saw a 2.4% decrease. Key modes like Mexico City’s Metro, Guadalajara’s Light Rail, and Monterrey’s Metrorrey remained the most popular options for commuters.
New Arizona Land Port to Boost Trade, Jobs, Sustainability
The US General Services Administration (GSA) and the government of Douglas, Arizona, have launched a project to build a new 32.37ha commercial Land Port of Entry. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, the port will enhance trade, security, and economic growth, featuring advanced inspection facilities and renewable energy systems. The project, set for completion in 2028, aims to modernize border infrastructure, attract investment, and strengthen Mexico-US ties.
California Announces New Otay Mesa East Port to Boost Trade
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the construction of the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry, supported by US$620 million in state and federal funding. The project aims to reduce border congestion, streamline trade with Mexico, and cut pollution from vehicle transportation. It also enhances border security with new CalGuard initiatives to disrupt weapons and money flow linked to cartels.
SLB Capturi Opens First Industrial Carbon Capture Plant
SLB Capturi has inaugurated the world’s first industrial-scale carbon capture plant at Heidelberg Materials’ cement facility in Brevik, Norway. Capable of capturing 400,000t of CO2 annually, the plant is a key step in reducing emissions in the cement industry. It will enable the production of net-zero cement, maintaining product quality while reducing environmental impact. The plant is part of the European Union’s first full-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) project and is set to begin operations in 2025.
Arelion Expands Gulf Coast Network to Boost Connectivity
Arelion is launching a new network route connecting Houston to Jacksonville, enhancing low-latency, high-capacity connectivity for AI/ML applications. This expansion supports data transfer for wholesale and enterprise customers, strengthens Gulf Coast tech ecosystems, and offers new connectivity options for data centers in Atlanta and Mexico. Set to go live in 1Q25, the route will use advanced optical technology to meet growing demand for scalable, terabit-scale capacity.
Oak Creek, Lyrba Group Partner to Strengthen Wood Pallet Sector
Oak Creek Wood Products (OCWP) has partnered with Grupo Lyrba to improve resource efficiency and sustainability in Mexico’s wood sector. OCWP will operate under Lyrba’s wood division at eight locations, rebranding its Mexico division as Oak Creek Mexico. The alliance aims to enhance pallet production with advanced technology and sustainable practices, reducing waste and meeting global customer demands.
Source:mexicobusiness
