Transport Workers in Nezahualcóyotl Demand Action Against Insecurity, Cancel Zócalo March After Agreement

Transportistas March in Nezahualcóyotl, Demand Action Against Insecurity

NEZAHUALCÓYOTL, Estado de México — Hundreds of public transport drivers, affiliated with the group Rutas Hermanas, took to the streets early Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, demanding urgent measures to address escalating insecurity in the region. The protest, which began around 9:30 a.m., saw participants march from Nezahualcóyotl toward Mexico City’s historic Zócalo, chanting slogans like “Queremos solución” (We want a solution) and waving banners calling for the removal of corrupt officials.

The drivers, equipped with bells and signs reading “Fuera funcionarios corruptos de Movilidad” (Out with corrupt Mobility officials), initially targeted key roadways, including Bordo de Xochiaca and Avenida Adolfo López Mateos, causing significant disruptions. By 10:20 a.m., the group had advanced toward the heart of the city, with plans to converge on the Plaza de la Constitución.

However, after hours of negotiations with state authorities, the transportists reached an agreement and opted against marching to the Zócalo. The discussions took place inside a stationary bus along Avenida Pantitlán, where representatives from the State of Mexico, the Mobility Department, and the state prosecutor’s office met with protesters.

The drivers’ primary demand was the immediate dismissal of Ernesto Tampa, the head of the Mobility Department, whom they accused of failing to address rampant insecurity. They also rejected an earlier offer for a dialogue table, insisting on a concrete timeline to tackle extortion and violence plaguing their industry.

“If Tampa is not removed, we will continue our march to the Zócalo,” one protest leader declared, emphasizing the urgency of their demands.

The protestors had initially planned widespread blockades across major highways, including the Mexico-Cuautla and Mexico-Texcoco routes, but scaled back their actions to minimize public inconvenience. Instead, they concentrated their efforts on key areas like Avenida Pantitlán, Bordo de Xochiaca, and Mexico-Puebla, near Los Reyes la Paz.

By mid-morning, traffic along Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza and surrounding areas had been heavily impacted as drivers gathered at the Glorieta del ‘Coyote hambriento,’ awaiting further instructions.

The demonstration was sparked by a recent wave of extortion and violence targeting transport workers. Protesters highlighted the kidnapping of one of their operators, allegedly carried out by organized crime groups demanding payment.

“We cannot continue working under these conditions,” said one driver. “We need security, not promises.”

As the day progressed, authorities urged motorists to seek alternate routes to avoid delays. While tensions remained high, the agreement reached between protestors and officials averted a full-scale mobilization to Mexico City’s iconic square.

The protest underscored the growing frustration among transport workers, who remain resolute in their fight for safer working conditions and accountability from government leaders.

Teh protest‌ by transportistas​ in Nezahualcóyotl underscores a growing crisis of insecurity that continues to plague public transport workers and​ commuters alike. The march, marked by impassioned chants and visible frustration, ⁢highlights the urgent need for systemic ⁤reforms to address ⁣corruption and improve safety in the ‍region. As ⁣the drivers made their way to Mexico⁣ City’s Zócalo, their demands ⁣for accountability and action⁢ resonated ⁤far beyond the streets they traversed. This demonstration serves as a stark⁢ reminder ⁣that the​ safety of transport workers is not just a local ⁣issue but a national concern that requires immediate and decisive ​intervention. Without meaningful steps to combat corruption and enhance security measures, the voices of these transportistas—and the communities they serve—will only grow louder. The time for action is now, as the stakes for ‌public safety⁢ and trust in⁤ governance have never ⁢been higher.
E Zócalo and escalate our actions,” declared one of the protest leaders during the negotiations. The state authorities, recognizing the urgency of the situation, agreed to initiate an immediate review of Tampa’s performance and committed to implementing a thorough security plan within 30 days. This plan includes increased police patrols, the installation of surveillance cameras in high-risk areas, and the establishment of a dedicated task force to combat extortion and violence against transport workers.

The protest underscores the growing frustration among transport workers who face daily threats to their safety and livelihoods. While the agreement marks a step forward, it remains to be seen whether the promised measures will translate into tangible improvements. For now, the transportists have chosen to give authorities the benefit of the doubt, but they have made it clear that their patience is wearing thin. “We will not rest until we see real change,” said one driver. “Our lives and our families depend on it.”

The march in Nezahualcóyotl is a stark reminder of the broader challenges facing Mexico’s public transport sector and the urgent need for systemic reforms.As the drivers return to their routes, their message resonates far beyond the streets they traverse: security and accountability are not negotiable. The eyes of the community remain fixed on the government’s next steps, and the transportists stand ready to hold them to their word.