Governor Alejandro Armenta has publicly confirmed that opposition to Puebla’s upcoming cablebús system is being driven by political interests within his own party, Morena. Speaking on Monday, June 29, 2026, during a site visit to oversee street paving on Gran Avenida, Armenta pointed to former municipal officials from the previous administration under Claudia Rivera as the main architects of this resistance.

The controversy dates back to June 19, when reports revealed that a political faction linked to Rivera’s tenure was orchestrating efforts to undermine the cablebús initiative. Armenta did not hold back in criticizing the moral standing of these detractors, emphasizing that many of them had neglected the city’s infrastructure during their time in office.

“I understand there are interests at play. Those opposing the cable system are the same ones who failed to pave the city’s streets, and they are from my own party—I want to say this clearly,” Armenta stated.

The governor defended the cablebús as a sustainable, forward-thinking solution to Puebla’s chronic traffic congestion. He dismissed environmental concerns raised by activists as a smokescreen used by political opponents to stall public works. “Unfortunately, those who abandoned the care of the city are now accusing us of ecocide just because we need to temporarily close streets to complete the work,” he added.

Tensions peaked on June 18 during a contentious City Council session to approve the temporary transfer of four state-owned plots essential for the cablebús infrastructure. Councilors Mayte Rivera Vivanco and Alondra Méndez abstained or digitally absented themselves, attempting to block the qualified majority needed for approval.

The opposition’s campaign has been active for over five months, involving former municipal officials like Armando Pliego Ishikawa and Jaime Carcaño, who have led social media and public forums criticizing the project under the guise of protecting green spaces. They have been joined by activist José Luis Escalera Flores, affiliated with the state PAN leadership.

Moreover, student and academic groups from the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla have participated in protests, including a takeover of the Rector’s Tower organized by the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Alfonso Vélez Pliego, aiming to pressure authorities against the cablebús.

Despite these efforts, the City Council ultimately approved the release of key land parcels to the Secretariat of Planning, Finance, and Administration. These include strategic locations within Parque Biblioteca, Parque Juárez, Cerro de Amalucan, and the intersection of 11 Sur with Boulevard Carmelitas.

The state government reaffirmed that the cablebús project will proceed according to schedule, targeting areas with severe traffic saturation. Armenta highlighted that the system will operate as an aerial mass transit network with intermodal stations designed to seamlessly connect with Puebla’s existing Red Urbana de Transporte Articulado.

For Puebla’s diverse and growing population, especially those navigating daily commutes, the cablebús promises a cleaner, more efficient alternative that aligns with broader goals of sustainable urban mobility and social inclusion.