EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A proposed binational tram project could soon connect El Paso and Juarez international airports, potentially transforming cross-border travel.
The Mexican infrastructure company Desarrollo Económico del Norte (DENAC) is behind the Juarez El Paso Express Tram, which aims to expand international flight options and improve the economies of both cities by boosting tourism.
The project is still in the proposal phase, with no estimated cost yet.
Emily Schmalz reports on binational route (Credit: KFOX14)
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DENAC said the tram would offer travelers a faster, more secure way to move between the airports, expanding access to over 26 destinations across the U.S. and Mexico.
Currently, even with a SENTRI pass, border wait times can take about an hour, while those without face delays of two to four hours.
Local residents expressed interest in the project.
One said, “We were down here last night and it’s like there’s Juarez and here’s El Paso. It’s really interesting. Like, why not have that connection, the connectivity?”
Another added, “I think it’s a way to take advantage of that we’re in the border. I feel like that is something that obviously not a lot of cities are able to do.”
However, El Paso city officials said in a statement to KFOX14/CBS4 that they not received a formal proposal regarding a binational tram connecting the El Paso and Ciudad Juárez airports.
Adding, “Any project of this scale would require a formal public presentation to the Mayor and City Council for discussion, public comment, and any potential action. Until that occurs, it would be premature for the City to comment on a concept that has not been presented for review.”
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