Mexico traffic congestion costs 203 billion pesos annually

A study by the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) reveals that traffic congestion in 44 Mexican metropolitan areas costs 203.3 billion pesos per year. This figure represents the opportunity cost of time lost that could otherwise be spent on work, education, caregiving, or rest.

On average, individuals lose 111 hours per year to congestion, costing approximately 5,645 pesos—the equivalent of nearly 18 minimum wages. Five metropolitan areas account for 65% of the total cost: Mexico City (40%), Monterrey (9.3%), Guadalajara (8.6%), Tijuana, and Puebla–Tlaxcala.

Mexico City experiences the highest per capita cost at 10,721 pesos and the greatest time loss at 211 hours per year. Other cities with high per capita costs include Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. The report notes that while public transport users make up 40% of commuters, they bear 55.4% of the total cost due to inefficiencies.

IMCO recommends public policies such as congestion pricing pilot programs, parking policies that reflect space scarcity, and the technological and energetic modernization of public transport to improve mobility efficiency.