The Ministry of Communications and Transport for Mexico (SCT) has appointed SYSTRA to assist it in drawing up the terms of tender for the turnkey project to build a high-speed line between Mexico City and Guadalajara. The tender is due to be launched in mid 2005.

In the second phase of the project, SYSTRA will help SCT with the process of drawing up the contracts and the deed of concession which will be awarded to the contracting firm responsible for the design, construction and operation of this twin-track line.

SYSTRA is supported by 2 Mexican firms, one for legal aspects and the other partner providing technical assistance (SINTRA S.A. de C.V. Sistemas INtegrales para el TRAnsporte), to ensure the transfer of technology, optimum integration of the project, and compliance with Mexican law.

The Mexican Federal Government has been working on this project since 2002. The line will operate at a commercial speed of around 300 km per hour, cutting journey time between Mexico City and Guadalajara to 2 hours. It will also serve the cities of Queretaro and Irapuato. In total, 28 million people will benefit from the new line. According to the SCT, fares will be comparable to those of luxury coaches, with a faster and safer service.

The line will be the first step in a programme to develop high speed lines across Mexico.