Federal policies are necessary to build support for sustainable transport. Photo by Dave K. Cooper.

In 2009, the Mexican federal government created the Public Transportation Federal Support Program (PROTRAM), which offers grants to sub-national governments to cover up to 100% of studies and 50% of infrastructure costs for public transport projects that meet certain criteria. This is the first program in Mexico that provides federal funding for urban public transit, as part of the National Infrastructure Fund (FONADIN).

CTS-México serves as the government’s main advisor to PROTRAM. It has reviewed the technical and financial feasibility of 21 public transportation projects across the country and improved the quality of eight project designs in Guadalajara, Mexico City, Chihuahua, Mexicali, Tijuana, Culiacan, Monterrey and Veracruz.

By providing project evaluation guidelines and assistance, CTS- México not only improves individual project proposals, but also strengthens PROTRAM’s institutional capacity to provide funds effectively in the future.