Mexico

Monterrey

UMR Index Rank

[i]

#63

(=)

Score: 32%

Sustainable Mobility

[i]

#55

(+3)

Score: 36.0%

Public Transit

[i]

#61

(+4)

Score: 32.4%

Technology Adoption

[i]

#62

Score: 14.1%

Population 5.3 million
Surface area (km2) 896
Population-density (people/km2) 5,880
GDP per capita ($) 20,862

UMR Index Rank

[i]

#63

(=)

Score: 32%

Sustainable Mobility

[i]

#55

(+3)

Score: 36.0%

Public Transit

[i]

#61

(+4)

Score: 32.4%

Technology Adoption

[i]

#62

Score: 14.1%

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What Monterrey Does Well In Urban Mobility

Monterrey’s spending on infrastructure and transport as a percentage of GDP is on par with global leaders in this edition of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index. The Mexican city inaugurated a third metro line in 2021. The following year, the state of Nuevo Leon announced plans to improve urban mobility, including nearly doubling the size of the city’s metro by building three additional lines with 88 stations by 2027. Plans also call for investment into regional connectivity. An initial proposal was approved in 2023 for a 75-kilometer (47-mile) suburban train corridor with 26 stations, which would run parallel to existing freight lines. More recently, discussions have reportedly been held on expanding the rail network with a high-speed railway connecting Monterrey and Austin, Texas.

The city’s public transit network has a higher station density than many of its index peers. Monterrey also has low-emission buses, including 100 e-buses on three feeder routes for subway line 3. These e-buses have capacity for approximately 120,000 daily riders and connect the city’s northeastern neighborhoods with the metro system and a bus rapid transit system.

Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Sustainable Mobility, Public Transit, and Technology Adoption scores

Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley

Challenges And Opportunities For Monterrey's Transportation System

Monterrey’s public transit fares are high relative to average local incomes, leading to affordability challenges for residents. While some reduced fares exist, such as for buses, prices for public transit are much higher than in Mexico City.

Monterrey, like many of its index peers, lags behind in infrastructure for active mobility like walking and cycling. Nuevo Leon’s Mobility Master Plan includes MX$818 million ($41 million) in investments across the state’s municipalities to improve public space for pedestrians. Projects include widening sidewalks and adding lighting, safe crossings, and street furniture. The city’s university has a bike-share program on its campus called BiciTec. However, plans for a citywide program have yet to be implemented.

Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score

Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley

How Monterrey Can Improve Its Urban Mobility Performance

With limited enforcement of transport safety rules, many residents feel unsafe on public transit. Nuevo Leon plans to include surveillance cameras and panic buttons for emergencies in its new buses. Monterrey can implement similar initiatives on other types of transit, including the metro. The city also can increase funding for security officers and improved lighting on transit and at stations. Running awareness and education campaigns can also help improve safety.

Monterrey underperforms its regional peers on affordability. To help close the gap, the city can provide subsidies for transit fares. This can be accomplished in multiple ways, including lowering fares for everyone or on an income basis, or selling discounted long-term passes (such as monthly or quarterly) for heavy transit users. The city’s metro currently offers discounts for multi-trip tickets.

Urban Mobility Readiness Index relative ranking evolution (2020-2024)

Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley