Monterrey, is a bustling city with a variety of public transportation options. The city boasts a comprehensive network of buses, taxis, and a metro system, all of which are widely used by locals and expats alike. The Sistema de Transporte Colectivo Metrorrey (Metrorrey), Ecovía, and TransMetro are the main public transportation systems in the city. With these options, it is entirely possible for an expat living in Monterrey to comfortably live without a car, relying on the public transportation system and walking.
Metrorrey
The Metrorrey, or Monterrey Metro, is a light rail system that serves the metropolitan area of Monterrey. It is considered one of the most efficient and safe public transportation systems in Mexico. The Metrorrey operates from 4:30 am to midnight on weekdays, and from 6:00 am to midnight on weekends and holidays. It has two lines, Line 1 and Line 2, which cover a total of 31 stations. The cost of a single journey is 4.50 Mexican pesos, which is approximately 0.22 USD. The Metrorrey is generally safe to use at any time of day, and it is not uncommon to see women traveling alone or children using the system to get to school. However, like any public transportation system, it is always advisable to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
Ecovía
The Ecovía is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that operates in Monterrey. It consists of a single line that runs along a 30-kilometer corridor, serving 41 stations. The Ecovía operates from 4:30 am to 1:00 am on weekdays, and from 5:00 am to 1:00 am on weekends and holidays. The cost of a single journey is 12 Mexican pesos, which is approximately 0.59 USD. The Ecovía is generally safe to use, but it can get crowded during peak hours. It is recommended to avoid traveling during these times if possible.
TransMetro
The TransMetro is a public bus service that operates in Monterrey. It has several routes that cover the entire city and its surrounding areas. The TransMetro operates from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm on weekdays, and from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekends and holidays. The cost of a single journey varies depending on the distance traveled, but it is generally between 7 and 12 Mexican pesos, which is approximately 0.34 to 0.59 USD. The TransMetro is generally safe to use, but it is advisable to avoid traveling late at night.
Taxis
Taxis are also a popular mode of transportation in Monterrey. They can be hailed on the street, booked through a taxi stand, or ordered via a mobile app. The cost of a taxi ride varies depending on the distance traveled and the time of day, but it is generally between 25 and 100 Mexican pesos, which is approximately 1.23 to 4.92 USD. Taxis in Monterrey are generally safe to use, but it is advisable to only use licensed taxis and to avoid unlicensed or “pirate” taxis.
Walking
Walking is also a viable option for getting around Monterrey, especially in the city center where many attractions are located within walking distance of each other. The city is generally safe for pedestrians, but it is advisable to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid walking alone late at night.
In conclusion, Monterrey’s public transportation system is comprehensive and efficient, making it entirely possible for an expat to live comfortably without a car. However, like any city, it is always advisable to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when using public transportation or walking.
