Mexico City's Metrobús system unveiled its second bus rapid transit corridor, "Eje 4 Xola," on December 16. The inauguration of the new 20-kilometer route signified an important milestone for the Center for Sustainable Transport Mexico (CTS-México) and the Mexico City Government, which have been working together for many years to develop a sustainable mass transit system.

The new 36-station line runs through the city's eastern district of Iztapalapa, serving about 106,000 passengers per day. Average travel time has been reduced to 55 minutes, a nearly 60 percent decrease from before.

Currently, the entire Metrobús network carries 320,000 passengers per day. With planning and implementation guidance from EMBARQ and CTS-México, Metrobús has improved mobility by 50 percent along the city's heavily congested Avenida de los Insurgentes ("Insurgents' Avenue"), reduced accidents by 30 percent, and encouraged a five percent shift from trips taken in private vehicles to public transport.

"The challenge is to continue with the promotion of this transport system all over Mexico's cities," says CTS-México Media Coordinator Jonathan Vázquez Betancourt, "as well as to spread the importance of its social benefits and ecological impact."

It is estimated that Metrobús reduces about 47,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from the air each year. The city has initiated construction on three additional BRT lines, as well as more bike paths, as part of Mayor Marcelo Ebrard's sustainable transport and development agenda, El Plan Verde ("Green Plan").

Earlier this month, Mexico City received honorable mention at the 2009 Sustainable Transport Awards for its efforts to improve public transit, revitalize public spaces, and create a better quality of life for its residents.