Governor Alejandro Armenta has publicly confirmed that opposition to Puebla\u2019s upcoming cableb\u00fas 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.<\/p>\n
The controversy dates back to June 19, when reports revealed that a political faction linked to Rivera\u2019s tenure was orchestrating efforts to undermine the cableb\u00fas initiative. Armenta did not hold back in criticizing the moral standing of these detractors, emphasizing that many of them had neglected the city\u2019s infrastructure during their time in office.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand there are interests at play. Those opposing the cable system are the same ones who failed to pave the city\u2019s streets, and they are from my own party\u2014I want to say this clearly,\u201d Armenta stated.<\/p>\n
The governor defended the cableb\u00fas as a sustainable, forward-thinking solution to Puebla\u2019s chronic traffic congestion. He dismissed environmental concerns raised by activists as a smokescreen used by political opponents to stall public works. \u201cUnfortunately, 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,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Tensions peaked on June 18 during a contentious City Council session to approve the temporary transfer of four state-owned plots essential for the cableb\u00fas infrastructure. Councilors Mayte Rivera Vivanco and Alondra M\u00e9ndez abstained or digitally absented themselves, attempting to block the qualified majority needed for approval.<\/p>\n
The opposition\u2019s campaign has been active for over five months, involving former municipal officials like Armando Pliego Ishikawa and Jaime Carca\u00f1o, who have led social media and public forums criticizing the project under the guise of protecting green spaces. They have been joined by activist Jos\u00e9 Luis Escalera Flores, affiliated with the state PAN leadership.<\/p>\n
Moreover, student and academic groups from the Benem\u00e9rita Universidad Aut\u00f3noma de Puebla have participated in protests, including a takeover of the Rector\u2019s Tower organized by the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Alfonso V\u00e9lez Pliego, aiming to pressure authorities against the cableb\u00fas.<\/p>\n
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 Ju\u00e1rez, Cerro de Amalucan, and the intersection of 11 Sur with Boulevard Carmelitas.<\/p>\n
The state government reaffirmed that the cableb\u00fas 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\u2019s existing Red Urbana de Transporte Articulado.<\/p>\n
For Puebla\u2019s diverse and growing population, especially those navigating daily commutes, the cableb\u00fas promises a cleaner, more efficient alternative that aligns with broader goals of sustainable urban mobility and social inclusion.<\/p>\n