Of course, rail transport is important in Mexico. However, due to the rugged Mexican topography, as well as a late adoption of such technology (1857) prevented this mode of transport from having a larger impact on the economic development of Mexico. Also, as it is the same case with the United States, railroad transport has been relegated to freight transportation, while road and air transport are preferred ways of transport when moving passengers and light cargo.
Some major railways in Mexico include:
- Kansas City Southern de Mexico (KCSM) - connecting northeastern and central Mexico with destinations within the United States. It has 4,300km (2,600 miles) of track.
- Ferromex or Ferrocarriles Mexicanos (Mexican Railroads) - connecting central and northern Mexico, including five US destinations. The Ferromex system operates more than 8,500 kilometers (5,060 miles) of track.
- Ferrosur or Ferrocarriles del Sureste (Southeastern Railroads) - connects southeastern Mexico, including cities such as Veracruz, Puebla and Oaxaca. It also owns the transoceanic railroad (connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Pacific Ocean) on the Tehuantepec Isthmus. It owns 1,600 km (1,000 mi) of track.
