New PRISM-Linked Project

Modernizing Mexico City’s Popular Transport

PRISM is pleased to share news of a new project supported by the Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF) and University College London (UCL), documenting the ongoing modernization of Mexico City’s microbus system. For decades, microbuses have been the backbone of urban mobility for millions of residents, but reforms are now underway to address safety, efficiency, and equity concerns.

The project is led by Daniel Oviedo (UCL) and Fernanda Rivera (UCL, former General Director of Public Transport, Mexico City) and forms part of VREF’s Informal and Shared Mobility (ISM) Programme and the international PRISM initiative.

Key objectives include:

• Analyzing institutional, governance, and inclusion challenges.
• Highlighting user experiences with a strong emphasis on gender equity.
• Producing a VREF special-issue policy brief with actionable lessons.
• Facilitating peer-learning and exchange with other PRISM partner cities.

The first outputs, including a draft policy brief, are expected later this year. This work will offer valuable comparative insights for cities worldwide that rely on popular transport modes as part of their mobility systems.