The Context

High-quality transit systems like Optibús are always adapting to the needs of their passengers. Photo by CTS-México.

León, Mexico, a city of 1.3 million people, launched the second phase of its Integrated Transport System (ITS) in August 2010. The system’s operations were optimized with 10 new stations and 5 additional kilometers of bus-only lanes, plus 29 new high-quality articulated buses that are expected to remove more than 100 polluting buses from the road. The most important economic and environmental benefits of the system's expansion come from increased integration between bus rapid transit, feeder and auxiliary lines. Now, 69 out of 100 public bus routes are physically integrated with the city's Optibús BRT system, representing about 70% of the city’s public transport trips.

The second phase of Optibús was made possible with technical expertise from CTS-México, which reviewed the system’s financial model, provided technical assistance on operations and fare collection, and is currently involved in evaluating the system.

The expansion of the system marks a significant milestone for León, which launched its inaugural Optibús corridor in 2003, becoming the first Mexican city to implement a BRT system. By 2008, because of its popularity, ridership on Optibús had exceeded the system's capacity, at 220,000 trips per day. Recognizing there was a strong need to improve mobility for more people, CTS-México agreed to work with local transport authorities to restructure the city's public transportation and expand Optibús’ service to maintain its success.

Did You Know?

The number of vehicles in Mexico is expected to grow by 5% each year, according to the Bank of Mexico. León is no exception: The city doubled its vehicle feet in just 14 years—from 1995 to 2008.

Photo by EMBARQ.