On March 11, 2025, the Metro system of Mexico City (Metro CDMX) was plagued by widespread delays affecting multiple lines, causing significant disruptions for commuters. The issues primarily involved Lines A, 1, 2, and 3, with varying degrees of impact felt across the network due to factors including train removals, electrical failures, and extraordinarily high passenger volumes.
Reports indicated severe overcrowding at the Pantitlán station on Line A, which connects to Lines 1, 5, and 9, leaving many commuters frustrated. Users reported waiting times reaching up to 30 minutes just to board trains due to the high influx of people. One user expressed the growing concern, stating, "Esta situación es desesperante," highlighting the chaos associated with the delays.
The problems began earlier on the day with the removal of a train from Line A for necessary inspections, particularly its door mechanism. This caused slow services which were described by passengers as excessively delayed. The public waited for updates from the System de Transporte Colectivo (STC) Metro, which informed the public about the situation via social media platforms.
Meanwhile, Lines 1, 2, and 3 also experienced delay issues due to electrical failures between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. Passengers were not only dealing with train delays but also faced complete power outages at several stations, particularly in the Balderas area. Reports of users having to use their mobile phones to navigate the darkness underscored the frustrating experience of waiting for services to resume. One Line 2 user stated, "Vengo del Metro Chabacano, me hice casi más de una hora porque venía muy lento," making clear the personal toll taken by such disruptions.
STC Metro provided updates as they worked to restore services. After conducting necessary checks on the electrical installations, they announced, "Luego de una revisión a las instalaciones eléctricas, afectadas por un disturbio de energía ajeno al sistema, se agilizó la circulación de los trenes." Passengers expressed hope for improved conditions but remained skeptical about the reliability of the service.
The combined disruption across multiple lines during this period created what many described as chaos. Lines 6 and 3 of the Metrobús, which connect with the Metro, also reported delays due to traffic issues, exacerbated by Metro crowding at stations. Commuters were advised to seek alternative transportation options during peak travel hours.
Despite some services being restored after the disruptions, the mornings had already seen significant overflow of commuters at key terminals, causing platforms to be overcrowded. With the current panic, many users lamented the lack of convenience and efficiency from the Metro services, leading to calls for improvements and accountability from transit authorities.
By the afternoon, conditions had slightly improved with reports indicating the resumption of normal service operations on several lines, but delays still loomed, particularly on Line 3 where the aftermath of repairs was still affecting service timings. Travelers continued to be informed through constant updates from STC Metro, which offered assistance and guidance to manage the unprecedented chaos.
The issues on March 11, though part of broader systemic challenges, highlighted the immediate concerns of safety and usability for daily users of the Metro system. Authorities are expected to face scrutiny as they address not just the current technical challenges but also public demand for reliable and safe transportation. Many commuters expressed the impatience and need for transparency about how delays are managed and mitigated moving forward.
The experience of March 11 reflects not only on the current operational challenges faced by the Metro CDMX but also sets the stage for discussions about infrastructure investments and enhancements required to prevent future occurrences like the ones witnessed. With many relying on this transit network, overcoming such logistical hurdles remains key for the Metropolitan area's future.