Overview
- The IMCO and Dat’s Why report released Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, estimates congestion in 44 metropolitan areas costs about 203.3 billion pesos a year by valuing lost time that could be used for work, study, care or rest.
- Across the 32.5 million people studied, travelers lose an average of 111 hours per year, which the report values at about 5,645 pesos per person or nearly 18 days of minimum wage.
- Mexico City concentrates roughly 40% of the national cost, about 81.7 billion pesos, and each person there loses about 211 hours a year—almost double the national per-person average.
- Users of public transport bear a disproportionate burden, accounting for roughly 55% of the cost and losing about 140 hours per year compared with 94 hours for private-vehicle users.
- IMCO recommends integrated reforms such as technical fares for long-term finance, faster technology and energy upgrades, targeted subsidies to high-capacity modes, and pilot congestion charges to reduce delays and address equity.