President Claudia Sheinbaum has reaffirmed her administration’s stance on two critical transportation issues during her recent morning press conference at the National Palace.
Airport Controversy Revisited
President Sheinbaum defended the cancellation of the New Mexico City International Airport (NAICM) project in Texcoco, which was initiated by former President Enrique Peña Nieto. The decision to halt construction came following a public consultation held in October 2018, in which approximately 70% of voters favored developing a commercial airport at a México state air force base instead.
Sheinbaum emphasized that the Texcoco site was problematic due to land subsidence issues and its function as a water regulatory reservoir. She asserted that recent flooding in Mexico City “would have been worse” had the airport been built there. The site now houses the Lake Texcoco Ecological Park, which includes a UNESCO-designated Ecohydrology Demonstration Site.
The president also suggested that part of the motivation behind the original airport project involved plans to convert the existing Mexico City airport into a large real estate development.
Motorcycle Safety Concerns
Addressing the growing issue of motorcycle safety in Mexico, Sheinbaum acknowledged that the increasing prevalence of motorcycles on Mexican roads “has caused many problems,” noting that trauma care for motorcycle-related injuries has risen significantly.
The president indicated her administration is working beyond just a safety campaign, suggesting potential national regulations for motorcycle use. She emphasized that while there are no plans to ban motorcycles, there is a need for clearer regulations, appropriate fines for violations, and better education for riders.
This focus on motorcycle safety comes as emergency room visits from motorcycle accidents continue to increase across the country, coinciding with the expansion of motorcycle-based services from ridesharing companies like Uber and Didi.
As Mexico’s first female president approaches her tenth month in office, these transportation issues represent significant challenges for her administration’s infrastructure and public safety policies.
Source: Mexico News Daily
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