On February 19, 2025, major roadway disruptions unfolded across the regions of Mexico City and the State of Mexico (Edomex), as hundreds of transport workers, also known as transportistas, launched widespread blockades. These actions stemmed from rising concerns over security within the transport sector, with the transportistas passionately calling attention to specific incidents of violence.
Starting early in the morning, the blockades began on the Mexico-Pachuca highway, where approximately 100 transportistas convened at the San Cristóbal toll booth. Their intent was not merely to create traffic chaos but to demand increased safety measures for those working on the roads—a response to troubling reports of violence against transport workers, particularly citing cases involving minors.
Authorities, including the State's Guardia Nacional, confirmed the total closure of the Mexico-Pachuca highway due to the protests, which resulted not only in significant delays for commuters but also sparked accidents within the traffic congestion. One such incident, occurring at the height of El Vigilante, involved the rollover of a public transport van attempting to evade the blockade.
The chaos wasn’t limited to the highways. Commuters found themselves stranded as transport services, including the Tuzobús public transport system, reported total disruptions due to the barricades obstructing major routes like the Boulevard Felipe Ángeles and the city center. Tuzobús officials urged passengers to plan their journeys carefully to avoid inconvenience, emphasizing the necessity of alternative routes due to the sudden upheaval.
"Bloqueada la autopista #MexicoPachuca por transportistas desde la caseta a Ecatepec," detailed one citizen via X social media, succinctly communicating the residents' frustrations as traffic built up across various sectors.
By mid-morning, reports indicated blockages across various points extending beyond the Mexico-Pachuca highway. Significant hindrances were also noted on the Mexico-Toluca highway and various major avenues in the city of Pachuca, where around 35 transport trucks were blocking major arteries, including Avenida Juárez, causing the city to grind to a halt.
What started as localized protests escalated quickly, with transportistas threatening to continue their movement toward the Zócalo if their demands for safety were not addressed adequately by authorities. Demonstrators expressed their distress over increased violence against transport workers, with many demanding immediate action on their grievances.
A driver caught up in the jam remarked, "La movilización de los transportistas dejó a varios automovilistas varados," signaling the urgency of the situation and leaving many travelers frustrated and uncertain about their routes.
The financial impact of these blockades is significant. Local reports noted the interruption of services from Tuzobús, which reported total cancellations, leaving countless commuters stranded. Officials stressed the necessity for road users to consult alternative routes to navigate through the confusing mess of detours mandated by the protests.
It’s worth noting the strategic coordination among the drivers as they created barricades not only on highways but also on side streets—ensuring their message was heard loud and clear across the metropolitan area. Authorities were seen attempting to mitigate the gridlock by urging drivers to head toward lesser-known alternative routes like Vía Morelos.
The protests underscored the current climate of unease among transport workers who feel particularly vulnerable. One transportista, commonly noted on social media, mentioned the dire need to raise awareness about the dangers faced daily, stating emphatically, "Debido al cierre de vialidades, transportistas bloquean con camiones de carga la Carretera México-Pachuca." This poignant message highlighted the solidarity among the drivers, who rallied together against what they perceive as negligence from local authorities.
Compounding the state of chaos, emergency services were called to the scene to manage the rollover accident, which remarkably did not result in serious injuries, reinforcing the precarious nature of driving conditions exacerbated by the protests. With the chaos still unresolved, the situation called for heightened awareness from drivers and transport officials alike to address these pressing concerns.
Real-time video feeds from the Centro de Control, Comando, Comunicación, Cómputo y Calidad (C5) of Edomex showed the frontlines of this protest, stressing the need for immediate solutions to the traffic snarl; capturing every moment of the transportistas’ defiant stance against worsening road conditions.
The recurring theme of insecurity raised by the transport workers is not simply about inconvenience; it signals larger issues of safety and neglect plaguing the transportation sector. These blockades, though disruptive, draw attention to the severe necessity for action from the government to address these grievances.
While negotiations seemed slow-moving, the sight of transportistas poised to move toward the Zócalo if their issues are not met paints a picture of volatility. Commuters and transport workers alike remain on edge, as the fallout from this protest continues to ripple through the affected areas, drawing public and media scrutiny across the nation.