Mexico Decree Prioritizes Passenger Rail Service Over Freight

Private Operators Given Deadline to Propose Passenger Services, Military to Take Over if They Decline

Mexico's government has issued a decree forcing private freight railway lines to prioritize passenger train service.
The two main private rail operators, CPKS and Ferromex, have until January 15 to propose their own passenger services.
If they decline, the government will put the army or navy in charge, despite their lack of railway operation experience.
The government plans to establish four short inter-city routes and three long routes from central Mexico to the U.S. border.
The decree does not mention whether the private companies would be offered subsidies, raising concerns about the profitability of passenger train systems.