A recent investigation by Cambio reveals that former Puebla mayor Claudia Rivera Vivanco, despite being from Morena, is a key figure behind the months-long opposition to the Cablebús project promoted by Alejandro Armenta. The conflict reached a critical point this Thursday, June 18, 2026, during a City Council session where the approval of a comodato (loan-for-use agreement) for four land parcels necessary for the Cablebús stations was debated.

Rivera allegedly directed her sister, Mayte Rivera Vivanco, and councilor Alondra Méndez to block the approval by either abstaining or leaving the virtual session before voting. Mayte abstained, while Alondra left before casting her vote, despite requests from the City Secretary to confirm her position. Nevertheless, the council approved the comodato with 17 votes in favor, five against, and one abstention, authorizing the transfer of land to the State Secretariat of Planning, Finance, and Administration.

The parcels involved include parts of Parque Biblioteca (6,721.97 m²), Parque Juárez (3,900 m²), Cerro de Amalucan (just over 2,000 m²), and a smaller lot at the intersection of 11 Sur and Boulevard Carmelitas (448 m²). These spaces are crucial for the construction of the Cablebús stations, a key element in Puebla’s metropolitan mobility strategy.

Opposition to the Cablebús has been led by former officials from Rivera’s administration, such as Armando Pliego Ishikawa and Jared Carcaño, who have voiced environmental concerns and mobilized protests. Pliego, in particular, has been active in assemblies and demonstrations, arguing for the protection of green areas. Alongside him, José Luis Escalera Flores, linked to the PAN party, participated in an April 29 event organized by the Red Civil por la Democracia, where activists expressed their rejection of the project.

Since the protests began, there have been eight demonstrations focusing on issues like tree cutting, environmental impact, and a perceived lack of transparency regarding the project’s technical details. The opposition also includes a faction of students and academics from the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), who formed the Observatorio Universitario Territorial y Sustentable at the Instituto de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades Alfonso Vélez Pliego. This group has framed their resistance around defending university heritage and questioning the Cablebús as a viable mobility alternative.

The involvement of BUAP faculty and staff, including Gustavo David Domínguez and Dolores López Morales, highlights the academic dimension of the debate. Yet, this resistance contrasts with the broader goal of the Cablebús: to alleviate Puebla’s chronic traffic congestion and reduce travel times through an integrated aerial mass transit system. The Cablebús will connect with existing transport networks like the Red Urbana de Transporte Articulado (RUTA), creating intermodal stations designed to improve urban mobility for vulnerable populations.

While political maneuvering and local interests have complicated the project’s progress, the recent City Council approval marks a significant step forward. The Cablebús promises to be a transformative infrastructure investment, aligning with inclusive urban development and sustainable transport policies that many urban centers worldwide are adopting.

For Puebla’s residents, especially those in highly congested areas, the Cablebús offers a practical, efficient alternative to traditional ground transport — a move toward a more connected, accessible city.