Metro L3 trains take up to 20 minutes to pass, users complain

Users of Line 3 of Mexico City’s Metro have reported delays of up to 20 minutes as trains frequently stop between stations, with incidents involving smoke, sparks and mechanical failures becoming increasingly common. These issues, which have persisted over the past few years, have led passengers to urge the government to expedite repairs and upgrades to the aging infrastructure. The problems have been widely documented by commuters who rely on Line 3 for daily travel. Adela Sánchez, a regular user traveling between Indios Verdes and Universidad, described how she has had to wait up to 20 minutes for a train, regardless of the time of day. She recounted witnessing instances where smoke and sparks emerged from the train carriages, raising safety concerns. “It’s scary when you’re inside,” she said. “Sometimes the smoke is so thick that breathing becomes difficult. We’ve even had times when service was suspended, forcing us to find alternative ways to get home.” Similarly, Marcelina Guadalupe, an 82-year-old passenger traveling from Cuautitlán to Ciudad Universitaria, acknowledged that while the Metro remains the fastest option for crossing the city, frequent breakdowns have made her journeys more stressful. She noted that the smell of smoke during trips can become overwhelming, and that service interruptions have occasionally forced her to seek other transportation options. Despite these challenges, she expressed hope that the ongoing rehabilitation efforts will eventually improve conditions. The Mexican government announced earlier this year that Line 3 would undergo a comprehensive overhaul, including the purchase of 45 new trains, complete track rehabilitation and modernization of all stations. However, many users remain skeptical about the pace of progress. Manuel, a resident of Santo Domingo, admitted to experiencing slow-moving trains and occasional halts, but he attributed these issues to the age of the system. “It’s part of operating a system that’s decades old,” he explained. “Trains need maintenance, especially given the high volume of passengers, particularly students and workers.” Several users emphasized the urgent need for faster implementation of the planned improvements. They argued that the current state of the line poses risks to both safety and efficiency, particularly during peak hours. Some called for increased transparency regarding the status of the repair work, while others suggested that technological upgrades could help prevent future breakdowns. The complaints reflect broader frustrations among residents of Mexico City, where public transportation is often cited as one of the most congested and unreliable systems in Latin America. While officials have promised long-term solutions, many commuters feel that immediate action is necessary to address growing concerns. As the rehabilitation project moves forward, the success of the initiative will depend on its ability to deliver tangible results within a reasonable timeframe.