The Guatemalan government is currently intensifying its efforts to implement the MetroRiel light rail project, which is regarded as one of the country’s most significant infrastructure initiatives. The objective is to establish a modern public transport system for the Greater Guatemala City area in order to reduce traffic congestion, shorten commuting times, and sustainably improve mobility for the population.
However, the concept of a rail-based mass transit system is not new. As early as 2016, detailed plans for MetroRiel were presented. At that time, the government institutions PRONACOM, ANADIE and FEGUA commissioned the Spanish engineering and consultancy firm IDOM to prepare a comprehensive feasibility study. The study examined the technical, economic, legal and environmental aspects of a potential urban rail system for the capital region.
The study prepared by IDOM proposed a north-south corridor of approximately 20.5 to 21 kilometres between Centra Norte and Centra Sur. Around 20 stations were planned along the route, which would largely follow the existing railway corridor owned by the state railway company FEGUA. The project was conceived as a light rail transit (LRT) system capable of carrying more than 250,000 passengers per day. Journey time between the two termini was estimated at approximately 40 minutes.
IDOM’s feasibility study represented an important milestone. Spanning several hundred pages, it included detailed analyses of passenger demand, route alignment, station locations, financing mechanisms and the anticipated economic impact. In addition, proposals were developed for the urban integration of the corridor, including green spaces, cycle paths and new public areas alongside the railway alignment. At the time, investment costs were estimated at approximately US$770 million.
Despite the availability of these studies, the project was not implemented in the following years. Political changes, financing challenges and institutional obstacles resulted in MetroRiel being postponed on several occasions. Nevertheless, the fundamental concept remained alive and continued to be discussed during successive administrations. In 2019, further preparatory measures were initiated, including agreements concerning the use of existing railway corridors.
Since 2025, and particularly during 2026, the project has gained renewed momentum. The administration of President Bernardo Arévalo regards MetroRiel as a key component of a long-term mobility strategy for the capital region. Existing studies are currently being updated and new analyses undertaken to adapt the economic and technical framework to present-day conditions. This process is being supported by international partners and consultancy institutions, and the involvement of British government agencies has recently been discussed.
Current plans continue to envisage a route of approximately 21 kilometres linking the northern and southern parts of the metropolitan area. The system is intended to be integrated with other modes of transport, including the Transmetro bus rapid transit system and the proposed AeroMetro cable car project. The aim is to create an integrated public transport network that reduces dependence on private vehicles and improves access to key areas of the city.
Although considerable financial and organisational challenges remain, recent developments suggest that MetroRiel now appears significantly more tangible than it did only a few years ago. The feasibility study prepared by IDOM in 2016 continues to serve as an important foundation for current planning efforts and the potential implementation of a modern urban rail system in Guatemala.
The original feasibility study was prepared in 2016 by the Spanish company IDOM on behalf of PRONACOM, ANADIE and FEGUA, and it remains the principal technical basis for the project to this day.
In addition, plans have been announced to procure up to 340 electric buses over the next two years, including 40 high-floor articulated buses for the ‘Transmetro’ Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, where diesel buses that are currently just under 20 years old are in service. Furthermore, there are plans to build an urban cableway link in the medium term.
The well-known cable car manufacturer Doppelmayr has announced that it will be constructing a brand-new urban cable car system in Guatemala City. This urban cable car system, known as ‘AeroMetro’, consists of two lines with a total length of 8.6 kilometres and twelve stations. It will link Guatemala City with the municipality of Mixco, situated to the north-west of the capital. With a capacity of 5,500 passengers per hour in each direction per line, the Doppelmayr Group will be delivering a high-performance urban cable car system. The detachable gondola lifts will feature a total of 495 cabins, each seating twelve passengers, thereby offering both high efficiency and comfort. Completion of the two lines is scheduled for 2028.
