There will be verbal warnings for locals to comply: Metro

The Mexico City Metro has announced it will issue verbal warnings to commercial vendors operating within its stations to ensure compliance with new regulations. The rules, which came into effect on August 19, establish that all commercial spaces within the metro system are considered public property and can only be used by individuals or entities through a Temporary Administrative Permit (PATR). This permit, issued by the Metro’s Transportation Collective System (STC), prohibits the transfer, rental, or subletting of these rights. A 60-day grace period has been set during which verbal warnings and calls for compliance will be issued. According to the STC, the new regulation outlines strict guidelines for permitted activities. Commercial operators must display authorized identification and uniforms, avoid loud promotions using radios, speakers, or megaphones that cause noise pollution, and refrain from using their spaces as storage warehouses. Violations could result in written reprimands, administrative fines, temporary suspension of operations, closure of the space, or permanent revocation of the permit. The maximum duration of a PATR is ten years, with possible extensions for two equal periods. The STC emphasized that transferring or subleasing the rights to a commercial space could lead to fines ranging from 50 to 200 Units of Measurement and Update (UMA), along with the revocation of the PATR and recovery of the space. On Thursday, Adrián Rubalcava, director of the STC Metro, stated that three months would be granted as a period of leniency for merchants to adjust to the new rules. He stressed that the goal was to promote orderly operation while ensuring safety and quality service for passengers. The regulation also mandates that all commercial activities must adhere to specific operational standards. These include maintaining cleanliness, avoiding obstruction of emergency exits, and ensuring that products sold meet health and safety requirements. The STC has also begun distributing informational materials to vendors, outlining key points of the new policy and encouraging voluntary compliance. Local business associations have responded cautiously to the changes. Some representatives expressed concern over the potential impact on small businesses, particularly those who rely on informal arrangements to operate within the metro. Others acknowledged the need for clearer rules to prevent unauthorized use of public spaces. The STC has not yet released figures on how many vendors currently operate under informal agreements, nor has it specified how enforcement will proceed beyond the initial warning phase. Looking ahead, the STC plans to monitor compliance closely during the grace period and may escalate measures if necessary. It has also indicated that it will work with city authorities to streamline the application process for PATRs and provide support for affected businesses. While the exact timeline for full enforcement remains unclear, the agency has made it clear that adherence to the new rules is essential for continued operation within the metro system. The implementation of these regulations marks a significant shift in how commercial activity is managed within one of Mexico City's busiest transportation networks.