### Electronic Payment System Set to Transform Public Transport in Tijuana by 2025
The Sustainable Mobility Institute is gearing up to launch an electronic payment system for Tijuana’s public transportation, aiming to significantly reduce cash usage by 2025. This initiative marks a significant step in modernizing the state’s transport infrastructure and reducing crime associated with cash transactions.
Jorge Gutiérrez Topete, the director of the institute, has highlighted the importance of this transition. “Cash is a magnet for thieves as buses can accumulate between six to seven thousand pesos daily. By moving to an electronic system, we reduce this risk significantly,” Gutiérrez noted.
The project will commence along the Agua Caliente Boulevard corridor, envisaging a gradual rollout to other routes. The government, with aid from the Welfare Secretariat, is distributing electronic cards to passengers as part of this transition. Gutiérrez admits the change won’t be swift due to the required installation of validators across numerous buses, demanding substantial investment from transport operators.
Drawing inspiration from Mexicali, where a similar initiative has increased card usage from 3% to 40% in three months, Tijuana officials hope to replicate this success. The goal is to reach a threshold where over 70% of transport users pay electronically, justifying the elimination of cash.
Increased crime rate on public transport remains a concern with cash handling routinely cited as a major factor. With this new system, authorities aim to improve safety and efficiency in public transportation, adapting lessons from Mexicali’s faster-paced transition.
### Related Developments in Mexican Public Transport
**Mexico City Advances Electronic Ticketing**
Similar modern strategies are underway in other parts of Mexico. For instance, Mexico City has been advancing its electronic ticketing system across various public transport networks. The goal is to streamline operations and enhance commuter safety.
The city’s metro system, used by millions daily, plans to extend its electronic card system further, reducing reliance on magnetic tickets and cash. Authorities hope to tackle ticket counterfeiting and prevent associated revenue losses.
**Digital Payment Adoption in Latin America**
Across Latin America, countries are embracing digital payments to foster safer and more efficient urban transport systems. Leading the pack are cities like Buenos Aires and São Paulo, which have already integrated cashless systems into their transit operations, showcasing successful implementation models for others in the region.
These initiatives underline a broader regional trend towards minimizing cash transactions as part of efforts to curb crime and boost operational transparency in public services.