Way back in 2014, construction was begun on an interurban commuter train to connect Mexico City with Toluca, the capital of the State of Mexico. After long delays, the train route was finally completed on February 2 of this year with the opening of a terminal in Mexico City that connects with Line 1 of the subway. The train line is called "El Insurgente", after Miguel Hidalgo, the "father of Mexican Independence." From Mexico City, the train runs west 35.9 miles. It is electric and can reach a speed of 99 mph.
Last Saturday, Alejandro and I decide to ride "El Insurgente". We took the newly renovated Line 1 of the subway to the end of the line, the "Observatorio" station. The subway station merges seamlessly into the new train terminal.
You use the transit card that you use for the Metro or Metrobus. Going through the turnstile, you are charged 15 pesos from the credit on your card. When you exit the train you go through another turnstile and are charged depending upon the stop from which you get off. If you go all the way to the end of the line you will be charged 85 pesos for a total of 100 pesos (less than 6 U.S. dollars). So, you need to be sure to recharge your card with enough pesos to make the trip.
We barely had to wait at all when a train pulled into the station.
The trains were manufactured in Spain. Each train consists of five cars and has a capacity of 700 passengers. The cars were spotlessly clean. Food and beverages are not allowed on the train.
We boarded the train.
Soon we were on our way.
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