Neighbors of Álvaro Obregón reject Cable Bus Line 5 for fear of soil conditions; ask for technical studies

Residents of Álvaro Obregón have expressed concerns over the proposed Line 5 of the Cablebús system, citing fears about the stability of the ground beneath their neighborhoods. They claim the government has not provided technical studies to ensure the project will not pose risks to their homes. During a visit to areas where initial stations of Line 5 are being built, residents emphasized the need for greater transparency regarding the characteristics of the subsurface and the potential impact of installing towers and stations. Near the future Enrique Cabrera station, residents of the Tarango Condominium criticized the plan to install a pile within their housing complex, which has raised uncertainty among them. One resident, Karla, stated that the government has not presented soil studies and highlighted the numerous risks they face, noting even heavy vehicles like garbage trucks can cause sinkholes due to their weight. Emmanuel explained that residents were never consulted about placing the Cablebús pile in the complex, saying officials informed them the structure would pass above their homes and that a pile would be installed there, a decision made without their input. Karla added that there have been previous instances of subsidence and structural repairs in the condominium, reinforcing her insistence that authorities must provide technical studies before starting any work. Another concern voiced was the potential increase in traffic congestion, particularly in the Colina del Sur neighborhood, where the Santa Lucía station will be located. Leticia mentioned that the main worry is how the project might affect local traffic, with residents fearing more vehicles, street vendors, and parking issues. She noted that during meetings with the government, officials mentioned the arrival of trucks, which worried residents because the area is already cramped. Juana, a resident of the Olivar del Conde, expressed disagreement with the Cablebús construction, stating she and other neighbors believe the terrain could pose a risk. She described feeling vibrations under the ground, suggesting something unusual is happening below, and warned that constructing the Cablebús could be dangerous for people. She recalled past tremors in the area, though officials claimed nothing serious had occurred, but she insisted this is not the first time such incidents have happened. However, not all residents share these concerns. Yolanda Navarro, another resident of the Olivar del Conde, supported the Cablebús construction and attributed some opposition to a group of residents in Colina del Sur whom she characterized as elitist. She argued that the resistance comes from a segment of the population who feel the Cablebús would harm their interests, despite the lack of actual problems. She pointed out that the same individuals previously wanted to remove a secondary school to prevent students from other areas from attending, indicating a pattern of selective opposition. The Line 5 of the Cablebús is planned to cover approximately 15.4 kilometers with 12 stations, connecting Mixcoac to Oyamel. The mayor of Álvaro Obregón, Javier López Casarín, defended the project, asserting that there is considerable transparency in its implementation. He emphasized that the route, station locations, and antenna placements were clearly communicated from the start, and that residents were invited to participate in the process. When asked about the discontent among some residents, the mayor acknowledged the presence of small groups opposing the project, but stressed that the benefits would reach thousands of people. He cited figures showing the project would serve at least 100,000 users, arguing that public policy decisions should prioritize the common good. López Casarín highlighted the potential improvements in mobility, particularly in areas like San Bartolo, Santa Rosa, and La Era, where travel times to key destinations could be significantly reduced. He noted that current travel times using public transport could take up to two hours, which the Cablebús aims to shorten. The mayor also acknowledged the technical challenges involved in implementing the Cablebús in his jurisdiction, including obstacles posed by existing power lines from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). Despite these challenges, he maintained that the project is crucial for addressing transportation issues in the district. The mayor reiterated that while the Line 5 is a city-wide initiative, the local government played a role in analyzing suitable locations for stations and promoting the project to the community. Residents continue to raise questions about the safety and feasibility of the project, demanding comprehensive studies on the ground conditions before construction proceeds. Some fear that the installation of infrastructure could lead to subsidence or structural damage, especially given past experiences in certain neighborhoods. Others are concerned about increased traffic and the associated disruptions. Meanwhile, supporters argue that the Cablebús will bring long-term benefits, improving connectivity and reducing reliance on private vehicles. As discussions continue, the balance between addressing residents' concerns and advancing the project remains a critical challenge for local authorities.